Alan Lee believes Crystal Palace have the edge in the Championship relegation battle because they still have the backing of their fans.

The striker says the Eagles have a big advantage over their rivals because they are only in the bottom half following a 10-point deduction for entering administration, whereas other sides are there because of poor form.

"The key to our run in is that other clubs that are down there are down there because the team hasn't performed well," said Lee.

"With us, the fans are still behind us because they understand we don't deserve to be down there and it is a different situation.

"At some clubs the fans might be on their backs whereas we have the fans' understanding and they have been great for us.

"That's a positive we can take into the run-in."

The Eagles were on the verge of the play-offs when the 10 point penalty for entering administration hit them at the end of January.

Lee admits going from a promotion push straight into a relegation battle was hard to understand at first but the squad have their heads around it now and are up for the challenge of staying in the league.

"I accept it now," he said "It's a shock when it first happens and it's hard to take it in but we came to terms with it and the lads don't point the finger and don't blame anyone, they are getting on with it.

"Maybe I am wrong but I have never seen another team that lost 10 points, players and managers and still be out of the bottom three.

"Every other time I have seen that they have been down the very bottom, losing games.

"I think that is some achievement for the lads and if we beat relegation I think it will be quite a few lads best achievement of their careers."