Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock believes Everton will be the main beneficiaries after defender Phil Jagielka was dropped for England’s recent win over Switzerland.

The centre half first rose to prominence under Warnock at Sheffield United before switching to the Toffees following the Blades’ controversial 2007 relegation.

Jagielka has flourished at Goodison Park, breaking into the international team and featuring in this summer’s World Cup.

But he and England didn’t exactly shine in Brazil, prompting Roy Hodgson to drop the 32-year-old in favour of Phil Jones for last Monday’s 2-0 victory over the Swiss.

Warnock’s Crystal Palace side travel to Merseyside on Sunday and the Eagles boss is backing his old player to thrive again for his club.

The Selhurst boss said: “I just think he has got to be proud of what he has achieved.

“I had him as a lad at Sheffield United and they were telling me he was a right-back or a central midfield player.

“Together we found a position for him and to see him playing at the World Cup was a fantastic achievement for him.

“He is a smashing lad and has got a lovely family as well.

“But I think the answer to the critics is what he did last night (v Wolfsburg).”

Warnock added: “I thought he was superb last night so that’s the way to answer people by turning out and playing.

They might be even happy if he doesn’t get picked for England, the Everton fans, because he does a wonderful job for Everton, he has done for many years.

“I talked to Arsene Wenger and David Moyes about if we (Sheffield United) did get relegated, he is the one you want to sign.

“He is just a level headed lad, he will not even bother about any criticism or anything. He just turns up for training each day.

“I would imagine from Roberto’s point of view managers have certain players on the team-sheet every week and he is one of those.

“He is lucky to have him is Roberto, he is a fabulous player who would get in any team in the Premier League I think.”

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