Crystal Palace chief Neil Warnock told influential midfielder Ben Watson he could leave the club just weeks after taking control at Selhurst Park.

But Warnock feels his willingness to let the former England U21 international go earlier in the season has been the motivating factor behind Watson's return to form.

Watson has been outstanding in recent weeks, recapturing the kind of form that once saw him linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including Bolton and Middlesbrough.

However, Warnock could have found himself without the 22-year-old after telling Watson he could leave SE25.

Warnock said: "I think the best thing I did was tell him he could leave - since then he's been a revelation.

"I didn't think he was performing and I thought it would be better for both parties if we went separate ways - but since then he's been super in training and instrumental in our rise up the table.

"I think he is more than happy to stay - he just needed that jolt to get him going.

"He was in a comfort zone and think when you'vet been at a club for a long time you need that jolt."

Now the Yorkshireman admits it would take an astronomical offer for him to part with his prized asset.

"I'vet been really pleased with his attitude and unless I get an offer I can't refuse then I'm optimistic he will stay - I think he is relishing the challenge at the minute."

But there is one thing Warnock thinks is missing from Watson's game.

He explains: "Along with Tom Soares, I think he could score more goals because we have to score more goals from midfield."