Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has given his FA Cup semi-final opposite number a vote of confidence following rumours that Quique Flores’ job was on the line.

Despite leading Watford to the FA Cup semi-final and Premier League security, Flores, who was named manager of the month in December, has found his name on the list of managers “likely to be sacked in the summer”.

However, Pardew has hailed Flores, suggesting that he is fully deserving of a new contract.

“He’s an outstanding manager and I think for his first year in the Premier League and to do what he’s done is an outstanding job,” he said.#

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“They should pat him on the back and give him a bumper new deal. I’m sure they will.

“If you look at Flores’ record, I think that stands up even before Watford.

“You’ve got to admire what they’ve done there and I genuinely will be pleased that if it’s not us then it will be them [to lift the FA Cup].”

The Palace manager has addressed his own contract talks this month and reasserted that he wants to stay, but would not commit until they secure Premier League status for next year.

“I’ve said all along that it was only fair when we were mathematically fair I’d sort that out.

“It’s agreed in principle, it’s nothing to do with me not wanting to sign it because I want to stay at this football club it’s just what I think is the right thing.”