WAYNE BID TO BE BACK FOR KEEPS

WAYNE HENNESSEY claimed he was back in the big time after keeping a clean sheet against Manchester City.

And the Crystal Palace keeper told his teammates to build on holding the runaway Premier League leaders when they visit Southampton tonight.

The Wales No.1 lost his place to Julian Speroni when back problems ruled him out in November.

But a goalless draw at Selhurst Park made Hennessey, who conceded five at the Etihad in September, the first keeper this term to prevent City scoring in a league match. “It was good to be back,” he said.

“I need to play as much as possible. Big saves in big games and I hope to keep playing in the big games.

“Hopefully it’s my shirt now but it’s down to the manager. We just keep playing well. I’m fully fit now and ready to go.” The Eagles caused City problems and missed a late penalty. “We wanted to attack as well and offer a threat and we did,” said Hennessey (below). “We were hurting them. The result gives us massive confidence and we go into the Southampton game on a high.”

Saints are 15th but just two points off the drop zone and defender Wesley Hoedt (above) believes a win against fellow strugglers Palace is essential. “It’s going to be a final,” said Hoedt. “We need a lot more points in the upcoming games.”