Roy Hodgson awashukuru mashabiki kwa kumsapoti Zaha

Roy Hodgson praised the Crystal Palace fans for backing Wilfried Zaha during their opening-day 0-0 draw with Everton, despite the winger angling for a transfer away from Selhurst Park.

Zaha was a target for the Toffees, as well as Arsenal, during the summer window and handed in a transfer request in the hope of landing a move away from Palace.

• The Ivory Coast international was only named on the bench on Saturday, having recently returned to training following his involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations and with the spotlight firmly fixed on him after his potential exit.

But his name rang around the stands on several occasions before he was introduced with 25 minutes remaining.

"He handled it very well but the crowd helped, didn't they? It was such a great reception," Hodgson said.

"It was nice to have him available to give another dimension to our play. The two front players who started were exceptional but it was good to have him to bring on.

"I only saw him on Friday because I sent him home on Thursday. But he was fine on Friday. He was excellent this morning, no problem at all, as you can tell by watching the game.

"That situation has been and gone and Wilf will make certain he brings his straw to the water and helps us have a good season, just like he has done in the previous two seasons."