Record-breaker Roy is rewarded for dedication

Roy Hodgson became the Premier League’s oldest manager at the weekend at the ripe old age of 71 — but having Wilfried Zaha in his Crystal Palace team must make him feel 21 again. Zaha scored for the third consecutive game for the first time in his career during the 4-1 win at Leicester. And Hodgson, 71 years and 198 days old on saturday, six days older than sir Bobby Robson was when he managed his final game, is enjoying every minute. ‘He’s thinking about scoring, in training he works on his striking and shooting,’ said Hodgson. ‘It’s something which is in his head now, “I need to add goals to my game”. We’ve been talking about it for a long time.’ Zaha, 26, scored twice at the King Power stadium with two good finishes, having also netted against southampton and West Ham either side of a ban. He had not scored in 18 games prior to this sequence. Hodgson thinks the arrival of Michy Batshuayi has helped. Batshuayi opened his account for Palace at the King Power stadium and provided a focal point. ‘now, the way we are playing with a centre forward on the pitch, maybe opportunities are coming Wilf’s way more.’ on his own longevity, Hodgson added: ‘I don’t think about stopping or going on, I take every week and every month as it comes. I’m enjoying the work and I’m under contract, so all the time the club are happy with the work we’re doing, I’m more than happy to keep going. ‘I’m realistic with what football brings up.’