By Anthony Hay

Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway praised Stephen "the icing on the cake" Dobbie after the 4-1 Championship win over Middlesbrough.

Goals from Glenn Murray (two), Peter Ramage and Kevin Phillips blew the Eagles Championship rivals away at Selhurst Park.

And Dobbie was only denied a first goal in a Palace shirt by an excellent save from Jason Steele in the Boro goal.

However, Holloway was full of praise for the midfielder who joined fron Brighton in January.

“I have always said that Dobbie is not your cake mix, he’s your icing on the top. He’s a beautiful, fantastic and wonderful player," Holloway said.

"He’s a beautiful artist and he’s added some things that I know and want in positions that he already naturally goes.

He added: "We look more cohesive because the style we’ve picked up and been winning with. I brought two players who know me. So I don’t have to teach them anything.

“Our fans haven’t seen the best of him yet because he normally scores. He’s a goalscorer and he hasn’t done that yet."

Crystal Palace face Bristol City, who are struggling in the relegation zone, tomorrow night.