GLENN Murray came off the bench to open his Crystal Palace account with a 79th minute equaliser as the Eagles rallied late to snatch a point against Blackpool.

The Tangerines looked on course to take all three points after Alex Baptiste gave them a first-half lead.

But then Murray entered the fray and instantly gave the hosts the goal threat they had been lacking.

Minutes later he stole in at the near post to convert Dean Moxey’s cross from close range and lift the roof of Selhurst Park.

Palace were now on the ascendancy and the 27-year-old could, and should, have scored more in the frantic closing stages but he remained delighted to get off the mark for his new club.

Murray said: “I’m happy to get my first.

“It was very nice to get that monkey off my back, I'm a little disappointed I didn’t get my second but c’est la vie.

“I thought Gilks made some good saves and there was the one that just kissed the post.”

Manager Dougie Freedman was equally happy for Murray and was full of praise for his summer signing.

Freedman explained: “Glenn understands his importance in scoring goals and he’s popped up with a bit of good movement and a fantastic finish.”

Murray was particularly pleased to have got off the mark after having suffered a frustrating start to his Palace career.

He picked up an ankle injury on the opening day of the season and missed the next three Championship fixtures before returning to the bench for Tuesday’s cup victory over Crawley Town.

This left Murray out of the first team picture for longer than he would have liked but the striker insists he has settled in well to his new surroundings and thrilled with the start the club has made to the season.

He admitted: “I would like to have played more since I arrived but I had a little ankle knock which put me back a bit, but everyone’s been welcoming so it’s been good.

“We’re lying fifth and I think we’re all pretty happy going into the first international break in fifth.”

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