Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has dismissed any fallout from Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend's bust-up.

Allardyce has played down any suggestions of a spat between Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend at the end of the win against Middlesbrough.

The exchange stemmed from a late chance for Townsend, who blazed over the bar when played in by Benteke in injury time, with the striker continuing his run as he sought a return pass.

But Allardyce laughed off the incident, adding that he saw it as a positive.

"I know [he was upset] because he didn't pass it to him, but it's very good because he wants to score goals," he told the Croydon Advertiser.

"He [Benteke] put a lot of work in – everyone lifted their physical element and I think the training we have given them has helped.

"It think the mental side as well - their decision making, apart from a few moments, was very good.

"[They showed] more responsibility, they are talented, but they haven't shown that talent on a regular basis and haven't been consistent enough in the games they have played by letting the sloppy goals we have conceded, but today we got what we wanted and asked for."