Patrick van Aanholt says he is looking forward to getting back to league football following his international call up.

Crystal Palace travel to 11th place Everton this weekend and the dutchman is confident that his side’s league position isn’t a fair reflection of their performances.

“We started the season great. Fulham away, three points,” said van Aanholt.

“Then we had a tough game against Liverpool and after that the results didn’t come our way but we’ve got to stay positive. I think we’ve got a great squad, a great team and I’m looking forward to the game on Sunday.”

Despite sitting 14th van Aanholt believes Roy Hodgson’s side have plenty of time this season to turn their fortunes around.

“We can achieve a lot, the season is still long. With this team, if we carry on the way we played last season and the way we started the season and the way we’re playing at the minute it’s good [and] we’re just waiting for the results.”

The former Chelsea and Sunderland man came to the defence of the recently criticised Mamadou Sakho, who was at fault for giving away a late penalty at Borunemouth earlier this month.

“Me and Mamadou have been playing together since I came here. I’ve been playing left-back, he’s been playing centre-back and I know I can trust him on the ball and he can trust me on the ball. But I also know if I go and press, he’s behind me.”