Despite being debutants, Palace were installed as favourites to win the Conference League at the start of the season.
It took a while for them to live up to that tag, with many of their performances in Europe looking somewhat turgid.
But their 3-0 win against Fiorentina – two-time finalists in the Conference League – showed what they are capable of.
Next up for Palace is a two-legged semi-final with Shakhtar, with Strasbourg facing Rayo Vallecano in the other tie.
“They made light work of them [Fiorentina] really, but from here on in they will expect some really tough games, there is some good quality in the competition,” added Tomkins.
“The question is whether they can bring the positivity from the first leg. That was the best I’ve seen them for a while, the three-week break did them the world of good and they looked like the team we saw early this season and last season.”
The season will end with Glasner’s departure, but it could also end with a European prize.
“Of course, that is what we all want,” said the Austrian.
“We want to enjoy our life together, not just the football. The more successful you are, the more you enjoy your life.
“When you play the semi-final, you want to get it all at the end and that’s what we will go for.”
