Roy bids to keep lid on it

® ROY HODGSON admits he is struggling to keep his cool in the heat of Crystal Palace’s relegation scrap.

The Eagles boss has told his players the key to climbing out of the bottom three is to keep their heads when the pressure is on.

Hodgson’s squad responded with another late comeback against Watford on Tuesday that extended their unbeaten run to six games.

But the manager, who takes his team to Leicester today, insists he finds it hard to lead by example.

He said: “If I was to allow my true personality and my emotions to command the situation or take over, it would be a different kettle of fish.

“I am not by nature, unfortunately, a tranquil, calm person. I am more emotive, always have been, probably always will be.

“But over the years I have realised that it is not always about venting your emotions, it is about doing what the team needs and saying the right thing at the right time.

“We have preached about control, and controlling emotions, making the right decisions and not allowing their heart to rule their head, accepting defeats and not getting carried away with victories.”

He added: “It is difficult for me, but for some people it is easier.

“But you realise you can make a lot of mistakes, do a lot of damage by saying the wrong thing in an emotive way and it can take a long time to bring it back.”