Zaha Replaying Palace Faith

Wilfried Zaha feels he is repaying the trust placed in him at Crystal Palace with improved performances for the club.

Zaha has endured a difficult two years after a £15m move to Manchester United in which he barely played any first-team football under David Moyes and was farmed out on loan to Cardiff City.

The 22-year-old again left Old Trafford temporarily in the summer, returning to his south London roots to rejoin Palace on a season-long loan.

It offered him a chance to relaunch his career and has so far proved a prosperous move for the player, who now has a smile on his face once again.

"Obviously there was a period where I thought 'What's going on here?"' Zaha said. "As a footballer it is important not to think that way and remain professional.

"I knew that if I got the chance I needed to take it and not dwell on the past and I am not one to dwell on the past and it was up to me to take it.

"I have a smile on my face because I am back on the pitch. I enjoy playing football, so when I am on the pitch I am happy.

"It is about having trust in me. This gaffer has put trust in me and I am trying to give it back and performing for the team."

Zaha is enjoying life under new manager Alan Pardew, who on Saturday oversaw his fourth straight win since replacing Neil Warnock.

The England international was impressive in the latest victory, causing havoc as Palace progressed to the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-2 win at Southampton.

"I said to myself that if I got minutes on the pitch, then I would get better and better," Zaha said.

"To find a manager that has got trust in me and get me on the pitch. I am going to lose the ball. I will do tricks and lose the ball, but if I get the chance I will either try to score or set up a chance."