Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins has hailed the impact of manager Sam Allardyce as they surge up the table.

A third consecutive Premier League victory without conceding a goal at the weekend bolstered their chances of avoiding relegation.

"In recent weeks the boss has taken us to one side on the training ground, both as a defensive unit but also as a team group, to work on our shape with a massive emphasis being on clean sheets," Tomkins told Palace's website.

"It is not just about the back four and the 'keeper but also those working from the front, sitting in when needed and then breaking out in numbers on counter attacks when the opportunity comes about in games.

"At times before we would (have) tried to chase the game, maybe conceded and then its backs against the wall but now there is a confidence all around the team that we can keep clean sheets."