Albion manager Mark McGhee saluted goal hero Paul McShane today as the Seagulls celebrated their first victory over arch rivals Crystal Palace since 1988.

The on-loan Irish teenager's 78th-minute header from a corner earned Albion a memorable 1-0 win at Selhurst Park last night and hauled them off the foot of the Championship table.

McShane also scored in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Cardiff and in last month's draw at Burnley.

McGhee said: "On Saturday, when a lot of us were disappointing, he still stood out like a beacon.

"He has been fantastic for us and he continues to be. Not only was he terrific, playing against quality forwards, he also contributed the winning goal so we cannot ask for anything more."

Albion's first away win of the campaign following five draws out of six on the road lifted them four places to 20th.

McGhee said: "We were all embarrassed about being bottom. I don't care about our extraordinary circumstances with the stadium and all the restrictions we work under, we didn't feel as if we should be bottom.

"Obviously for the supporters to beat Crystal Palace, our big rivals, after we were trounced the last time we were here (5-0) is great for us all.

"I think we merited it with our performance. We competed, passed the ball when we could and passed it well at times.

"It was the type of performance we had seen until the last couple of games and we finally turned it into a victory."