Gary Neville: Patient Valencia fans deserve Copa del Rey semi-final

Gary Neville thanked Valencia fans for their patience after advancing to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday evening.

Rodrigo scored the only goal of the game as Valencia won 1-0 at Las Palmas to secure a 2-1 aggregate win and advance to the last four along with Barcelona, Celta Vigo and Sevilla.

The victory provides welcome relief for Neville, who is yet to record a win in La Liga after nearly two months in charge.

"I'm delighted with the result, delighted with the clean sheet, but I thought we made it damn hard for ourselves," said Neville. "I think we like to make the Valencia fans suffer a bit, but I'm delighted for the fans.

"They deserve a semi-final. They have been patient with me and the players for the past four or five weeks and we need to give them joy."

After the draw for the semi-finals takes place on Friday, Neville will be looking for his first win in La Liga on Sunday when Valencia host Sporting Gijon, who are second from bottom.

"I'm sure the fans will be in a good mood on Sunday and there will be a great atmosphere at the Mestalla," said Neville.