Ruben Loftus-Cheek has said he is “buzzing” to be back in the Crystal Palace starting line-up.
The midfielder, on loan with the Eagles from Chelsea, returned to the side for the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday following two recent outings as a substitute.
It was Loftus-Cheek’s first start since he suffered an ankle injury in December, after which he returned to Chelsea for treatment.
“I am buzzing about it (returning) after a long while,” he said.
“It was tough mentally for me but I really enjoyed being back out on the pitch and even though it was a tough 90 minutes it’s great to be back.
“It was an injury that I didn’t think was too bad until I got a few scans and knew I chipped a bone in my ankle which was devastating for me as I was doing so well for Palace and getting the England chance.
“But that’s football and it’s about mental strength, so I will forget that and get on with what’s ahead.”