Zaha to hit the heights
ROY HODGSON believes Wilfried Zaha can lift the gloom at Selhurst Park.
Palace host champions Chelsea today having failed to score a goal or take a point from their opening seven Premier League games.
But Zaha, who returns after two months out with a knee injury, has fond memories of playing Chelsea.
It was his equaliser in a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge last March that sparked Palace’s amazing survival bid. Eagles boss Hodgson said: “He has got the X Factor. He can dribble and beat people, which not every player in the league is capable of doing.
“Most of all he has a special place in the hearts and minds of the Crystal Palace fans. I think they will feel more comfortable now he’s back.
“There is a big psychological factor with him coming back.
“He’s got to be an important cog in a well-oiled machine and our job is to make certain that the machine is well enough oiled to produce that X Factor.”
Hodgson was so struck by Zaha’s ability when he was England boss that he handed him his international debut at the age of 20 in November 2012.
And he regrets Zaha’s decision to switch his allegiance to Ivory Coast last year.
He added: “As an England fan I’m sad but I’m sure he’s happy to be playing international football.”