Marouane Chamakh grabbed the headlines on Tuesday night with the winner against West Ham United, and he also grabbed the praise of his new manager.

Tony Pulis, presiding over his first game in charge at Selhurst Park and guiding Palace to a 1-0 win, lauded Chamakh’s work-rate, claiming the Frenchman simply needs a confidence boost to become the ideal striker.

Chamakh’s header in the dying moments of the first half decided this London derby – although much of the credit must go to the excellent delivery of Barry Bannan from the right.

Pulis said: “Marouane and Cameron [Jerome] were very good at Norwich City, and they caused lots of trouble.

“Against West Ham, they never stopped running and Marouane got the goal his performance deserved.”

He added: “He is a quality player, always has been – he just needs a little confidence boost to become the player we need him to be.”

Palace had chances to extend the lead soon after the break with Jason Puncheon and Kagisho Dikgacoi both going close.

But the clearest sight on goal fell to Cameron Jerome, although the former Stoke City man could not beat Jussi Jaaskelainen when clean through on goal.

Pulis said: “We should have scored in the second half, that is the only disappointment because it would have helped our goal difference.

“But it was a great result. We have to win games to put points on the board, and give everyone at the club something to believe in, something to get behind.

“The fans were wonderful, and we have to give them hope. If we do that, the more they will back the team and buy in to what we are doing.”

Despite the result, which lifted Palace off the foot of the Premier League on the night, Pulis admitted the side still needed strengthening.

“The players’ attitude and commitment has been wonderful from the moment I came in, but we do need to add strength and a little more quality, and I know they will be delighted if we can do that.”