Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew was delighted with two-goal Glenn Murray after their 3-1 win at West Ham United.
The 31-year-old scored two headers either side of a Scott Dann goal before being sent off for two bookable offences.
"He's got that nous as a number nine to find that space and be in the right place at the crucial time," Pardew said.
"He could have had a hat-trick in the first half and, I hope he doesn't feel I'm insulting him, but he ain't the quickest.
"Teddy (Sheringham) coaches here at West Ham and I had him as a player. He's a bit like that in creating room and chances for himself without pace. He's clever.
"I felt sorry for him that he was sent off. It was probably my fault - I should have got Shola (Ameobi) on earlier. But it was too late."