Wilfried Zaha desperate to relaunch career at Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha is desperate to re-launch his career under Neil Warnock after announcing his return to Crystal Palace with a stoppage-time equaliser at Newcastle.
The 21-year-old disappeared from the limelight while making only a handful of appearances following his £15million move from Palace to Manchester United in January last year.
After returning on loan last week to Selhurst Park, he was delighted to have the final say in Palace's dramatic 3-3 draw at St James' Park on Saturday after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute and scoring five minutes into injury time.
Zaha told Palace's official website that Warnock, who returned last week as manager for the second time, had told the players he does not want to change too much really.
"He's let us get on with it and told me to do what I do," said Zaha. "He's seen me play before, so he allowed me to go out there and express myself.
"I haven't really played too much, so coming off the bench I don't mind because I'm getting my fitness back. But I'm definitely looking forward to starting a few games.
"I had to make the move here because I wasn't getting minutes on the pitch, so coming back here will definitely push my career forward."
Before scoring the equaliser, Zaha had already shown Palace fans the sort of touches that had made him a favourite before his move to Old Trafford.
First he had a strike ruled out for offside, then he was denied twice by Magpies keeper Tim Krul before sealing his cameo with the late goal.
Zaha said: "To be honest, I'd missed way too many chances before that, so I'm buzzing to get the goal.
"Since I came back, I've been comfortable and everyone has shown me love around the place. All I need to do is get settled again and get playing. It's always great to play and I feel at home doing that here with players I've played with before.
"I go back home and my dad gives me advice and what I have to do in the next game, so I'm comfortable and I'm happy."