Paul Hart believes his experience of keeping Portsmouth in the Premier League last season will help him ensure Crystal Palace's survival in the Championship.

The 56-year-old replaced Neil Warnock as Palace manager yesterday on a contract until the end of the season, with Eagles favourite Dougie Freedman back at the club as assistant manager and John Pemberton being named first team coach.

With Palace only above the relegation zone on goal difference, Hart admits he knows the challenge facing him but believes the squad is good enough to stay in the Championship.

“It is going to be a testing time,” he said.

“We have got to get results and we got to get them quickly.

“It's a nerve-racking experience but I look at this group of players and I think we can come out of it, we have people that won't go under and that's what you need.

“ I get some comfort in seeing the names in the squad, experienced players and strong characters.

“It's very similar to Portsmouth last year, where there were strong characters who just needed a little shove.”

Freedman's appointment has excited fans the most, but because of the club's transfer embargo, the former Scotland international will not be added to the playing squad and will stick to the coaching side of things.

The 35-year-old admitted it was an easy decision to return to SE25 after Hart called him on Monday night.

“I couldn't refuse to come back,” he said.

“What was I going to say? No. I cannot say it.

“I have worked with Paul and know what he is all about so that was a no-brainer.

“Crystal Palace are in a desperate situation and on their knees, they need some help.

“They need someone who knows the familiarities of the club to get it kick started straight away on Saturday.

“I feel I can bring that to the table, I couldn't say no.

“I feel I truly can help the situation we find ourselves in.

“Strangely I know the two parties separately, I know this club and I know the players but I also know Paul from working with him previously so putting the two together it's a perfect situation.

“ I can hopefully get the fans get the players tuned in as quick as possible.”