Delaney shows true value of victory

For all that the play-off final is often boiled down to cash, an Irishman illustrated the other, more human side of the day.

Damien Delaney’s tears will remain one of the most memorable images from an emotional afternoon for Crystal Palace.

Given that the Cork defender was on the verge of giving up English football last summer, promotion to the Premier League will mean more to him than most. “Days like this kept me going,” he said, “I’m ecstatic.”

Giovanni Trapattoni should also be encouraged, as it means a fair amount for Ireland too. With the relegation of Wigan, Reading and QPR, the Irish squad lost six Premier League players as the overall number dropped to 31. As it stands, the promotion of Cardiff, Hull and Palace bring that to 40.

Even more importantly, two of those Irishmen greatly played their part in Palace’s victory. Owen Garvan’s composed passing eased the side out of a series of tense situations, but it was Delaney’s rock-solid defending that provided the platform.

An early-season stand-in for the injured Paddy McCarthy, the Corkman frequently frustrated Watford’s livewire attack. Now, he’ll deservedly get to take on even greater talent.