Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.

The two teams meet in Sunday's season finale.

Hodgson said, "In their last five games Nottingham Forest have enjoyed an incredible upsurge in form, bringing in 10 points, that's top-of-the-table form.

"They have taken everybody by surprise. Many clubs thought they couldn't do that well. So hats off to him [manager Steve Cooper], his players and staff.

"When you saw the scenes after their last win against Arsenal [that secured their place in the Premier League], it made you realise how much staying in the league means to everyone - not just the players and staff but also the fans.

"We know on Sunday if we want to finish well we are going to be facing a tough opponent."