Roy: Show why you’re a star, Zaha

CRYSTAL PALACE boss Roy Hodgson has told Wilfried Zaha to show why he deserves to be targeted by the Premier League’s elite.

Zaha faces Arsenal tomorrow after missing out on a switch to the Emirates.

Hodgson praised Zaha for the way he regained his focus after being told he was staying. But he admits the Ivorian may yet make a big-money move. Hodgson said: “He needs to make certain he gives his very best and shows off his talents every time we play.

“There are lots of teams out there looking for good players and if he wants to attract one of those clubs he needs to perform at the highest level. I don’t think the fact it is Arsenal will change his performance enormously – I expect his performance to be very good against all the teams.”

Zaha has just one assist this season and Hodgson believes Palace can no longer be accused of being too reliant on him.

The Eagles boss added: “It’s a bit unfair that the team has been accused of being overly dependent on one man. But I’ve said all along that when he didn’t leave in the summer that was a good thing for us.

“He may leave one day but that will be a decision taken by the owners of the club, not me.

“For now I’m hoping he can be in top form and cause the Arsenal defence lots and lots of problems.”