Former Reading manager Alan Pardew has said he was delighted to see Brian McDermott return to the Berkshire club as boss earlier this season.
Pardew takes Palace, without a Premier League win since Dec. 19, to Reading for an FA Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
The Eagles have knocked out Southampton, Stoke and Tottenham to reach the last eight despite their slump in league form.
Looking ahead to the match at the Madejski Stadium, Pardew -- who appointed McDermott as Reading chief scout -- said: "I was so pleased he [McDermott] got the job back at Reading, because he knows the club and understands what it takes to get out of the Championship.
"They've made a really first-class appointment. I expect they'll be pushing to get back in the Premier League next year. The playoffs are probably a step too far [this season], so the cup is everything for them and us as well. It will make for a really tense game."
McDermott, who in addition to his two spells as Reading boss has also managed Leeds, has said he owes his managerial career to Pardew.
Pardew, who left Reading in acrimonious circumstances to take over at West Ham in 2003, added: "I've never had a great reception -- but that's pretty understandable, the way I left.
"I had a great period of my career there, but I didn't leave in the best circumstances. But I've seen [Reading chairman] John Madejski and the board and shook hands and put it behind us. I class him still as a friend really.
"We talked about how I left and there were mistakes on both sides and we moved on. They're in good hands with Brian."