Julian Speroni has called on the Crystal Palace fans to play their part in keeping the Eagles in the Premier League by making Selhurst Park a fortress.

Palace begin their top flight campaign at home to Tottenham Hotpsur on Sunday in front of what should be a full house in SE25.

The Holmesdale Fanatics are thought to be organising a display and Speroni wants as intimidating an atmosphere as possible for Andre Villas-Boas's men.

"We really want an atmosphere that will make teams go 'oh wow, this is not going to be easy'," said the Eagles keeper.

"The fans are going to play a huge part this season.

"Selhurst Park is the best place to go if you are a Palace player and the worst if you are not and that's the way we like it."

Speroni is Palace's only survivor from their last Premier League campaign and he is determined this season will not end like that one - in relegation.

"I have been at the club for such a long time and being back in the Premier League is an opportunity I want to enjoy," he said.

"Every player, every member of staff and the owners are so excited about it, especially because of the long time we have had to wait to get back there.

"We will all have a good time and we will all do our best to stay there.

"We cannot take it for granted and we are going to need to work hard.

"It is a marathon and not a sprint and we need to focus on every game as each game is going to be difficult - you cannot afford to relax."

Relegation is not the only bad memory Speroni has from Palace's last Premier League foray.

The Argentine was signed as Palace's first choice goalkeeper that summer but was replaced after five losses and one draw in the first six games.

"When I signed for Palace I thought I was going to be the number one and I still feel I didn't have a proper chance," he added.

"I was only 25 and I played only six games. I needed time to adjust, coming from Scotland into the Premier League.

"But the Premier League doesn't give you that time - it is all about results and if you make two mistakes you lose your place."