SMILES BETTER

Sam’s order to Zaha

WILFRIED ZAHA is leading Crystal Palace’s relegation escape bid after being ordered to put a smile back on his face.

Palace boss Sam Allardyce reckons the winger needed a reminder to cheer up and start enjoying his football more.

The results were there for all to see when Zaha inspired his side’s third successive win to open the gap between the Eagles and the bottom three.

Allardyce said: “I said to him, ‘Wilf, smile’. Sometimes he doesn’t smile enough because he doesn’t realise how important this game is and how enjoyable it is.

“Sometimes he looks a bit miserable so I say, ‘Wilf, come on lad, you’re the luckiest’.

“Everyone who plays in the first team is the luckiest person at this club. Everyone who plays professional football is one of the luckiest people in this country. You need to enjoy yourself – smile and enjoy yourself. It’s over quickly. It doesn’t last as long as you think it does and it flies by because you’re not working, you’re doing something that you love and enjoy.”

Zaha was the biggest threat in a game that was settled when Watford skipper Troy Deeney headed a 67th-minute freekick into his own net.

It came after Zaha was once again left sprawling, this time by Sebastian Prodl, and Allardyce reckons that the winger deserves more protection.

“He gets terrible treatment because he’s so skilful. Maybe he needs a bit more protection from the referees,” said Allardyce.

Zaha gave Craig Cathcart an afternoon to forget and the Watford right-back believes the wide man will soon rank alongside the Premier League’s best, including Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

Cathcart said: “I certainly think he has the potential to match those players. On his day he is more or less unplayable.

“He is obviously a handful. He’s got pace, strength and he has got good ability. But it was a good challenge. I want to play against the top players and I am sure he will go on to be a top player.”