We want promotion - Popovic

Crystal Palace defender Tony Popovic claimed today’s battling goalless draw with Liverpool in the FA Cup has made the Eagles hungry for the challenge of regular top-flight football.

Palace are going well in Division One and pushing for the play-offs, which showed at Selhurst Park this afternoon as they provided Gerard Houllier’s side with a real test.

“We are full of confidence at the moment, doing well in the league and I thought we were unlucky to get just a draw,” Australian international Popovic told Sky Sports 2.

“This is what we want week-in, week-out.

“I think at least we deserved a replay and possibly more. I think we came out firing at the start and were very positive.”

Hayden Mullins helped the Eagles shackle the threat of Liverpool’s England strikers.

He said: “It was a good challenge for us and all the boys were relishing it.

“We needed to take it to them at home and knew this was our best chance of getting through I think, but all the boys are looking forward to the replay.