Crystal Palace manager Paul Hart defended his decision to start with Stern John on the substitutes' bench after the veteran striker rescued a point for his side in a 1-1 draw at Derby.
Russell Anderson gave Derby a sixth-minute lead that they defended until the 86th minute when half-time replacement John dispatched a low shot into the bottom corner to snatch Palace a crucial point in their fight to escape relegation.
Hart, who insisted his call to start with just Sean Scannell up front was the right one, said: "We have two centre-forwards injured and Stern is not getting any younger."
The Eagles boss added: "We're walking on egg shells with our forwards at the minute. Stern was an option to start, but I chose not to use it. The better option was for him to come on.
"I have no regrets at not starting him, it was the right decision on the day to start with what we had got."
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