Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor has praised new signing Shefki Kuqi after the Finn silenced the Palace boo-boys by scoring a last-minute winner against Norwich City on Saturday.

The 29-year-old suffered unfair criticism from a small section of Eagles fans following his displays against Luton Town and Southampton when he clearly wasn't match fit.

Kuqi was booed by section of home supporters when he was substituted against Southampton last Tuesday which infuriated Taylor who was unhappy with the unfair treatment his new striker received.

"I was surprised and disappointed," said Taylor."People should realise it takes a bit of time and I kept saying he is three weeks from being match fit.

"I'm sure it was in the minority but it's not helpful. I'm the first one to praise the fans when they are magnificent and clap them afterwards but if they're not magnificent, I won't be saying how good they are."

"It was a frustrating night, don't get me wrong we were all poor it wasn't just any one player. We deserved to get a little bit of stick but for a new player coming in expected to do it from day one when he's not match fit, I think is a little bit unrealistic."

The Palace boss then praised Kuqi for the way he responded to the criticism and how he took the news he was going to be dropped to the bench.

"He's big enough to accept all that and it made him more determined when he came on to the pitch on Saturday," said Taylor.

"The way he did his belly flop in front of the fans - I think they loved him for it."

Taylor is tipping Kuqi to become a big success at Selhurst Park now he is nearing full fitness.

"I said the day he walked into the building, three weeks later he will be a much better player for us," he added.

"Even though it was only 16 minutes, I thought he was very good and had a lot more joy than previous matches."