Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has given an insight into the enigma that is Wilfried Zaha comparing him to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.

Zaha lines up against his former employers this weekend for the first time since being told by manager Louis van Gaal that his future lay elsewhere.

The 22-year-old went on loan to Cardiff City, but could not prevent their relegation to the Championship.

He returned to Palace loan in the summer, before making the switch permanent in January.

Pardew said: “It was a period in his career that didn't work out and that happens. He wasn't perhaps quite ready, and we hope he can grow here and make an impact tomorrow.

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“He's a player that needs to have his confidence reinforced. He has tremendous talent one-on-one and he's learning the other side.

“He sometimes gets the final decision wrong, but all players do that. But even Ryan Giggs was like that.

“But Wilf is really exciting and our fans love him. He just has to add goals to his game.”

He added: “However, he still gets despondent when something doesn't go well for him in a game, but he's trying to address that.”

Tomorrow’s game kicks-off at 5.30pm.