Hodgson impressed by Zaha reaction in Palace's draw with Everton
Roy Hodgson has been happy with how Wilfried Zaha - who came on against Everton - has reacted to remaining at Crystal Palace.
Wilfried Zaha's reaction to staying at Crystal Palace has impressed manager Roy Hodgson.
The winger came off the substitutes' bench to play the last 25 minutes of his side's 0-0 home Premier League draw against 10-man Everton, who had Morgan Schneiderlin sent off. Arsenal and Everton were among the teams to pursue Zaha, 26, during the transfer window, with the player making his desire to leave clear. But after remaining at Selhurst Park beyond deadline day, Zaha's return to action saw him given a generous reception by the Palace fans when he entered the pitch on Saturday.
"I thought he handled it very well," Hodgson said at his post-match media conference. "The crowd helped. It was nice to have him available. It was good to have him to come on - and Connor Wickham too. I thought the two front players [Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke] did an exceptional job, but they were tiring. I only really saw him [Zaha] on Friday. He was fine. He was excellent in the dressing room. The fact is that situation has been and gone. I am sure he will bring his straw to the water to help us have a good season."