Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita has heaped praise on their back four.

Guaita admits injuries has meant constant adjustment throughout the season.

He told the club's website: “It's not easy to have such stability when we're forced into changes in defence.

“We've had some important injuries, like [Joel] Wardy's - he was out for six or seven weeks; Martin Kelly came in and showed he can play at right-back to a very high level.

“We had the same situation in the centre of defence and at left-back but we've still managed to compete really well. The best thing is that every single player who has played in defence has given everything they have. Whatever position they've played in, they've defended the shirt to the last second. Win or lose, they have all given everything until the very last minute and we've been able to pick up great results for that reason.

“I'm happy because we're improving on the record from last year. I think the numbers for the whole of last season are similar to what we've already achieved this year - more or less. And even if the season were to finish next week, we'd still want to go on improving those numbers again next season. Hopefully next year we can do even better."