Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney has said that the close bond between the players at Selhurst Park will go a long way to ensuring their survival in the Premier League next season.

The Eagles returned to the top flight after an eight-year absence with victory in the Championship playoff final against Gianfranco Zola's Watford.

Delaney said that teams like Swansea City, Norwich City and Southampton have set a precedent that shows managers do not have to spend big after being promoted to the Premier League.

"People are going to say we are going to need to sign players, but I'll tell you what, team spirit will take you a hell of a long way," the 31-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"You look at the likes of the teams who have gone up, Swansea, Norwich, Southampton - they all went up and stayed up, and they didn't spend millions. They bought astutely and they kept the nucleus and the team spirit, which is what we have.

"What we are built on, to be honest with you, at Palace is that type of team spirit, that togetherness and the genuine friendship we have. If we can keep the basis of that and add to it, then the sky is the limit for us."

The Irish international joined Palace on a free transfer last summer.