Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew believes the Eagles will play in the Premier League again next season following their goalless draw against Everton on Wednesday night.

Palace managed to walk away from their clash with the Toffees at Selhurst Park with a point, which ensures the club now sit 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five games left to play.

Despite being unable to capitalise on James McCarthy's second-half dismissal, Pardew was pleased with his team's performance and believes the result will prove "crucial" in Palace's fight for survival this season.

"That point might be crucial. I'd be very surprised if anyone in the bottom three can catch us," Pardew told BBC Sport.

"We'd have liked to have won the game. We had some great chances. It's frustrating. But although I'm frustrated, I'm pleased with another good performance. Given before the Norwich game the pressure we were under, I would've taken four points.

"The next two games are important. We've got two draws and a win, that's not bad after the run we were on."

Palace have a tough fixture list before now and the end of the season, with trips to Arsenal and Manchester United to come in the league before the Eagles play Watford in their FA Cup semi-final match in late April.

Palace then travel to play Newcastle before hosting Stoke and then finishing off the campaign with an away clash against Southampton.