Paul Hart says he remains' hopeful' that Crystal Palace can beat the drop despite slipping into the bottom three.
Palace have been hit by the ten point deduction for going into administration which now sees them struggling near the foot of the table.
As he prepares his side for the clash with Nottingham Forest in midweek Hart told the Croydon Guardian: "We are hopeful we can stay up. "
No one said it was going to be an easy one but we have to keep hanging in there."