“Suarprised”… £10m Crystal Palace player admits he ws shocked by whatccn did on Sunday

Crystal Palace star Chris Richards was an unexpected inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s starting XI against West Ham on Sunday, but he delivered an excellent performance.

With Cheick Doucoure suffering from a long-term injury, Richards started in an unfamiliar midfield position, but stood out as he excelled in defensive situations.

The centre-back has hardly featured since his £10m move from Bayern Munich, but looked comfortable next to Jefferson Lerma as Palace battled to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.

He has now admitted that playing in a different position was unexpected, but he is happy to contribute to the team in any way.

Speaking to club media after the game, Richards claimed that there were some aspects of his different role that he initially struggled with.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I just want to be on the pitch – so whatever it takes!” he stated of his selection.

“It was something! It was a bit more defensive than anything, so I enjoyed that aspect, but I just liked being on the pitch and getting a point.

“There’s a bit of similarity [to centre-back]. I’m just not used to the ball going over my head like that, so that was something that took a bit of getting used to, but I enjoyed it today.

Seeing Richards in the starting lineup may have been a surprise, but to many Palace fans it was a breath of fresh air instead of Hodgson choosing the more experienced Jeffrey Schlupp from the start.

Hodgson still showed little ambition or creativity with his substitution selections against West Ham, with the likes of Naouirou Ahamada still frustrated on the bench, but it may be hoped that the success of Richards means that other overlooked players gain more opportunities.

Until the winter transfer window arrives, and Palace can strengthen their squad, they will have a hole in the defensive midfield role, but Richards now deserves a run of games to show what he can do in the first-team.