Crystal Palace captain Julian Ward admits defeat to Everton was tough to take.

The Blues won at Selhurst Park 3-2 on Saturday.

"The manner in which we lost wasn't great," the captain admitted to Palace TV. “It's gutting.

“I'm bitterly disappointed in the result because we played well with the ball and moved it well, we just couldn't capitalise on that.

“We showed good character to come back into the game from the early goal and then again from 2-1 down. At that point, then, we all expected to see the game out at least and come away with at least a point, knowing it could have been all three.

“We got into areas, we created issues, and on another day you get a few more clear opportunities.

“You know what you're facing in Everton in the way they play. You know they're going to get men behind the ball and put their bodies on the line, and they did that today. It was obviously frustrating for us we didn't capitalise on what was good play at times.

“It's obviously a tough one to take and now we have to go into the international break and make sure we dust ourselves down. The lads who are travelling need to look after themselves, and then we'll go again against Luton."