Hart, 56, was today appointed at Selhurst Park on a contract until the end of the season after Warnock quit to take over at Rangers last night.

Warnock has inevitably been linked with loan moves for the likes of 17-goal top-scorer Darren Ambrose, fellow midfielder Neil Danns and young defender Nathaniel Clyne.

But Hart insisted: "No players will be leaving this club between now and the end of the season."

Coincidentally, Hart was appointed Rangers boss soon after his sacking at Portsmouth earlier this season, but he lasted less than a month before walking out.

The Eagles are above the relegation zone on goal difference alone after they were deducted 10 points for going into administration in January.

But Hart feels he can repeat the trick he managed in his first season at Fratton Park, when he kept Pompey up after taking over with 14 games to play - the same number of matches Palace have left.

"I think it's quite obvious I like a challenge, and this is a big one, but I felt that the support would be there," he said.

"There's only one objective and that is to stay in this division.

"This club deserves to be in this division, there's been a lot thrown at it in the last six months and the players don't deserve it.

"The club were in contact yesterday evening. I asked a few questions and I felt the conditions were fair and that I could succeed.

"There are many similarities to Portsmouth. There are 14 games left, there's an experienced squad who can play, and I feel with a few tweaks we can get there."

Hart has brought in former Palace stars Dougie Freedman and John Pemberton to make up his coaching staff.

Warnock, meanwhile, has revealed the decision to leave Palace was one of the most difficult he has faced in his long career.

The 61-year-old initially claimed the Eagles job would be his last, and he kept them punching above their weight until the slide into administration and subsequent 10-point penalty proved one hurdle too far.

"Leaving a club in administration for one with huge potential must look an easy decision but it has been one of the most difficult of my career, and there's been a few," Warnock told The Independent.

"The reason I am sad, as well as excited, is that of all the clubs I have been at the fans at Crystal Palace have been the best."