Aaron Wilbraham has put Crystal Palace's play-off final success solely down to Eagles manager Ian Holloway.

Wilbraham led the line against Watford at Wembley on Monday as Kevin Phillips's extra-time penalty gave them a 1-0 win a place in the Premier League for next season.

The Eagles got through both legs of the semi-final against Brighton without conceding and kept another clean sheet at Wembley - something 33-year-old Wilbraham praised Holloway for.

"The gaffer's tactics were spot on," he said.

"We haven't conceded a goal and the way he set us up was perfect. What he said the other team would do in all three games they did.

"They didn't know how to change it against us and when they did he knew what to do to make it right so you have to give him all the credit.

"His tactics were spot on in both games and I was really impressed.
"Everyone knew their jobs and the structure of the team."

Wilbraham, who has largely watched from the bench this year as Glenn Murray took the starring role in Palace's attack, had just one goal to his name this season before the play-off final. He came close to doubling that tally three times but Watford keeper Manuel Almunia got in his way each time.

"I had a few chances and I was just looking up thinking 'come on'," he added.

"Maybe I should have hit the one first time when I tried chopping back inside first time but I was getting in good positions again and actually ran the channel a few times which the boys were surprised at.

"At the end of the day, we got the result, that's all I am bothered about."