Academy graduate Scannell overjoyed as Palace avoid relegation

TEENAGER Sean Scannell described the Eagles survival heroics as "the best feeling I've ever had".

The 19-year-old was endured a stop-start season, having been sidelined for long spells with injury and inconsistent form.

But the youngster, who made is way up through the ranks of the Palace academy, has played a big part in the final run in since Paul Hart took over the managerial hot-seat from Neil Warnock two months ago.

Scannell has used his electric pace on the right wing to good affect to help Palace scramble to safety, and it was the youngster who set up Darren Ambrose for the crucial second goal at Hillsborough.

"I was delighted to set up the goal but I never thought it was game over, I just kept going. It was a good feeling at the end," he said.

"It's the best feeling I've ever had in my life, the feeling in the dressing room was amazing, just great.

"As a local boy it means a bit more. I don't want to be anywhere but this club. People like Shaun Derry, Stern John, Danny Butterfield they have all helped me in my career at Palace and it's been great.

"I wasn't playing at the start of the season, but since Paul Hart has come in he's given me a chance and it's been a great experience for me at this stage of my career."

*See Friday's Croydon Advertiser for reaction and pictures of Palace's dramatic final day at Hillsborough