PALACE'S Portuguese defender Jose Fonte believes last Saturday's win over Middlesbrough was just reward for all the Eagles hard work on their travels in recent weeks.

Over the past month Neil Warnock's side have collected important draws at Cardiff, Preston and Queens Park Rangers.

However, Fonte knows it is vital that he and his team mates turn those draws into wins at home if they want to stay in touch with the sides at the top of the table.

"We have picked up some really good draws on the road," said Fonte, "but we needed those three points against Boro. If we hadn't won that match all our efforts in the previous games would have gone to waste.

"Now we can relax enjoy our time off and come back to continue our good work."

After playing three games inside seven days Fonte feels the international break has come at just the right time for the Eagles and is expecting big things when they return to action against Coventry a week on Saturday.

"It is important that you use this time off properly," he said. "We have three games in a week, so for us it has come at a good time. I will just try to put my feet up for a few days, maybe go for a walk and eat some healthy food to make sure I'm in the best shape possible when we return.

"The mood in the dressing room is fantastic at the moment. We all believe we can produce something really good for the supporters this year."

For the full interview with Jose Fonte and all the latest Crystal Palace news see this Friday's Croydon Advertiser.