Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew was delighted to see Christian Benteke off the mark in victory at Middlesbrough.

Pardew will hope Benteke's contribution is the first of many as he attempts to establish himself once again at Selhurst Park.

He said: "It's very important for a striker to get that first goal, and as soon as the cross came in, you kind of knew. I don't think any defender could defend him in that position when he's coming on the back of you like that.

"He's a bit like Andy Carroll. If the ball is in the right area, it's almost impossible to defend."

Pardew also gave Benteke's brother Jonathan a debut late on.