Joran Kirovski inspired Palace to a fine 4-0 win against an in-form Wimbledon side and send the Eagles soaring into the play-off positions.

After the game, manager Steve Bruce sang the praises of his USA international midfielder, who was the main architect of the win, driving forward to support the front two and playing a part in two goals.

Bruce, who signed the 26-year-old on a free transfer from Sporting Lisbon, said: "Kirovski's arrival was a massive boost for us. He's got great ability and he's a wonderful talent. He's been at great clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Lisbon but been on the fringes."

Bruce spotted his potential when he was in the Manchester United youth team.

"He was in with the likes of Beckham, Scholes and Giggs, and for me, he was the outstanding prospect."

On Saturday, Palace's finishing was of a high quality, even if their crossing was not.

Wimbledon missed an early chance when Neil Shipperley, against his old club, fired straight at Matt Clarke.

Clinton Morrison then showed him how to find the net, slipping the ball neatly inside the far post from Kirovski's slide rule pass.

Jamie Smith's crossing was poor but it was his early ball that sent Dougie Freedman away down the right and his cross eluded three Wimbledon defenders to find Kirovski arriving late in the box to fire home past the keeper Kelvin Davis.

The second half was scrappy but came to life 10 minutes from the end when Aki Riihilahti scored from nowhere with a 30-yard shot. Clarke kept Wimbledon at bay until Wayne Brown scored an own goal to make the scoreline slightly flattering.

Steve Vickers came off at half-time feeling the effects of a stomach bug, meaning club captain Dean Austin could have a confidence-boosting 45 minutes.

Bruce agreed the win was all the more satisfying because Palace had bounced back in style from their unlucky Worthington Cup exit in midweek at Sheffield Wednesday.

Many Palace fans feared the cup defeat might bring their winning league form to a shuddering halt.

But it is to Bruce's credit that there is a mental strength about this team that previous Palace teams, however talented, have lacked. That was reflected in the way they scored some goals on Saturday against the run of play.

October 23, 2001 16:30