Sam adds Schlupp to safety plan

Boss Sam Allardyce has hailed the capture of Jeffrey Schlupp to boost Crystal Palace’s Premier League survival push.

The Ghanaian, who can play on the left of midfield or at left-back, helped Leicester to the title last season but has managed just one league start this term.

He has joined for a reported £12million fee.

Allardyce, making his first signing at Palace, enthused: “I am delighted we have been able to secure Jeffrey’s services – he is a player I have admired for some time and is a talented and athletic player.

“He will bring strength and experience to the defence and will be a major asset for the club having just turned 24 years old.”

Palace go into today’s derby at West Ham just a point above third-bottom Sunderland.

Allardyce said: “(Getting a win) is massively important. Deep down inside, even though I didn’t say it, reflecting on the Watford game it was bitterly disappointing and how costly that draw was.

“The victory we should have gained, with it being my first game, would have made everyone a bit more comfortable.

“Yes, we got a good performance; yes, we should have won, but we didn’t and of course it was very costly.

“We just have to make sure that we get it sooner rather than later because the longer it goes on, the more fearful players can get so we need to put that away as soon as possible.”