Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway paid tribute to his "heroes" after their promotion playoff final win over Watford.

Rather than be too concerned about the recruitment possibilities from the enhanced revenue, Holloway focused on his playing group.

"How much you spend on your group isn't always what gives you," Holloway said.

"It's what's inside their hearts and how much they work for you.

"I've been very fortunate that both teams that have done it for me, I was privileged to have worked with them. To me they're Palace heroes."

With leading goalscorer Glen Murray injured, Kevin Phillips stepped up in his fourth play-off final to send Palace back to the top flight.

The 39-year-old had suffered play-off final heartache for Sunderland, West Brom and Blackpool, but had Holloway's backing.

"If I had to put everything I own on someone smacking it in the net, then I'd put it on Kev," Holloway said.