April 10 2006

Ian Wright

Ian Wright hopes he's patched up his differences with the Crystal Palace supporters.

Former Eagles hero Wright caused controversy by kissing his Arsenal badge in front of the Palace fans at Highbury after scoring in 1993.

Arsenal went on to win 3-0 and Palace were relegated from the Premiership on the last game of the season.

The 42-year-old was eager to bury the hatchet after netting a stunning strike in last week's Geoff Thomas tribute match, by racing to the Holmesdale end and kissing the Palace badge.

"I enjoyed my goal because I didn't think I would get the chance to return to play at Palace, let alone score," said Wright.

"I needed to redeem myself because there was an incident a few years back when I played for Arsenal and kissed the badge.

"It got a few of the Palace fans upset and we had our problems for a while. But I think we've worked them out now.

"I just wanted to score the goal and kiss the Palace badge to let the supporters know how much the club still means to me."

Wright scored 117 goals in 277 appearances for Palace between 1985 and 1992. He believes Andy Johnson, who has 82 Palace career goals including 14 this season, is the best striker outside the Premiership.

"AJ is someone who doesn't look out of place in the Premiership and should be there," said Wright.

"There are a few good strikers in the Championship, but with my Palace allegiance, he is probably the best. AJ works hard for the team, is a good player and has a real eye for goal."

And Wright has backed Iain Dowie's Palace to win promotion to the top flight.

"If Palace get into the play-offs, then you would have to fancy them because they have been all the way before," he said. "They have got a good chance because they are playing well."