MILE Jedinak heaped praise on striker Marouane Chamakh after the Moroccan helped the Eagles earn a vital three points against West Ham.
Chamakh headed a delightful Barry Bannan cross past Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 42nd minute to earn Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over the side he spent five months on loan with last season.
However, it wasn’t just the first half goal which impressed the Eagles skipper but also his team-mate’s tireless work ethic throughout Palace’s third win of the season.
“Chamakh works tirelessly and I’m really happy he got his goal because it takes a bit of a burden of his back,” said the Aussie midfielder.
“Hopefully he can build on that and get a couple more for us.
“He’s come in and we know where he’s been, what clubs he’s been at and what potential he has and he’s certainly one to give everything.
“We like having him around and he’s got that quality.
“He has just got to keep going because he has a part to play in this team, as we all do, and hopefully he can start to grab a few more goals for us.”
Chamakh looked a handful from the off against his old club but Jedinak, who has recently signed a new deal at the club, played down the West Ham link.
The Selhurst captain added: “He didn’t say he had motivation because it was West Ham, but if he did then fair play to him because it got us the three points.
“We knew it was going to be tough after a gutsy performance away at Norwich.
“I think we were unlucky not to take anything from that game but we showed great character there and we have done again tonight.
“We knew we were going to be up against it and we have dug in there and got a vital three points.”
Cameron Jerome had a great chance to double the lead during the early stages of the second half when through on goal.
Visiting keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen came to the Hammers’ rescue, although Jedinak reckons the forward was unfortunate not to make it 2-0.
“Strikers are all about scoring goals and I think Cameron Jerome was unlucky not to get one today himself,” the skipper said.
“I thought he also worked tirelessly today.
“They (Chamakh and Jerome) have a good understanding at the minute, so it's very encouraging and very positive.
“Hopefully it can be a little more fruitful in future games.
“We’ve got a tough season ahead but we have just got to be prepared to roll our sleeves up and get on with it.”
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