Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has expressed his belief that Glenn Murray will come back stronger following his knee injury.

The striker ruptured cruciate ligaments in Palace's goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final.

Murray, who has scored 30 goals for the Eagles this season, is expected to be out of action for nine months.

"It's an occupational hazard but it's a terrible scenario for him after his best season ever," Clubcall.com quotes Holloway as saying.

"He just went to turn and before you know it he's badly damaged his knee. But he will get fit again, he's ready to work hard and he's a very special fella.

"He doesn't get too high and he doesn't get too low."

Palace face Watford in the Championship playoff final on Monday.