Hodgson: Zaha only played because of his 'big heart for the club'

Roy Hodgson has said that Wifried Zaha only played against Norwich City on Wednesday because of his "big heart for the club."

Zaha provided the assist for Connor Wickham’s first Premier League goal since 2016 in the last five minutes to cancel out Todd Cantwell’s opener and guarantee Palace a share of the spoils.

Hodgson said he wasn't sure if Zaha would be fit to play against the Canaries, but that the Ivorian pushed through to ensure he'd be ready to play.

"Wilf was another one today that until this morning we weren’t certain he’d be able to play – he hasn’t trained since the last game,” the former England manager told a press conference after the match.

“We were concerned he wouldn’t get on the field but because he’s got such a big heart for the club and such a love for football he declared himself fit, but that was a bit of a surprise to me that he declared himself fit."

Zaha has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park recently, even putting in a transfer request over the summer.

No deal could be done with his two main suitors, Arsenal and Everton, not coming close to Palace’s £80 million ($106m) valuation.

Zaha admitted that had hurt him, and affected his performances early in the season, but said he had since rededicated himself to his boyhood club.

The 27-year-old is already the subject of speculation this winter with Chelsea, fresh from having their transfer ban overturned, linked with him this time.

Blues boss Frank Lampard refused to answer questions about Zaha after his club’s 1-1 draw with Brighton.

The former Derby County manager said he hadn’t “considered” a deal that would see out-of-favour striker Olivier Giroud head to Palace in part exchange for Zaha.

Palace end the festive period in ninth place in the table, just two points behind Tottenham in sixth, the final spot that guarantees European football for the following season.

They face Derby in the FA Cup third round on Sunday before taking on Arsenal and Manchester City in consecutive Premier League games.