Paul Hart admits the stress of the last two months finally took its toll on his Crystal Palace players last night.

The Eagles were lacklustre as they lost 1-0 at home to Bristol City in a display that was the complete opposite to their robust and energetic approach against Sheffield United three days earlier.

With the squad having gone through wage deferrals, administration, a 10-point penalty and a change of manager in the last six weeks, Hart believes it was only natural for the players to feel tired.

"I thought as good as were on Saturday we were probably equally as bad last night,” he said.

“We looked a bit weary which is understandable with what the players have had to put up with and what they have gone through and after their efforts on Saturday.

“In mid-season when you get thrown with a points deduction like that it is a real kick in the nether regions and they have had to cope with it and it's not always easy - even for strong characters like ours.

“But what you do know is they have got it well within them to bounce back.

“We have to recover properly, rest and get ready for the next one.

“I said to them in the dressing room afterwards: 'Look, this is us.

"'There's no more coming in and there is definitely no one going out so it is me and you and that's it, that's what we have got'.

“I said we have got seven weeks and there are three that go down so the idea is if you finish fourth bottom you have achieved."