June 8 2015

James McArthur (Photo: Andy Roberts)

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur is delighted with his first season at the club.

McArthur, 27, was one of the standout performers as the Eagles finished their Premier League campaign in the top 10 for the first time.

The Scotland international, who joined for a club record fee of up to £7m from Wigan last September, believes the positive mindset of boss Alan Pardew has been key to the team's success.

He said: "There's a real buzz about the place at Crystal Palace right now, everyone's feeding off it getting great confidence from it. It's great to go there in my first year and do as well and play as much as I have.

"Alan Pardew's been great for the team, we've really kicked on under him. He's demanding such high standards.

"I think the main thing he is bringing is ambition. Not only is it about doing our best to stay up but let's try and get 10th place next year, let's try and better that. A lot of the boys are feeding off that."

McArthur is training with the Scotland squad ahead of a friendly against Qatar and Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland - but he'll have to fight hard to earn a place in the side.

"Confidence is good, we've put ourselves in a good position, one of the best positions we've been in for a long time," he said. "We've got a great chance of qualifying for a major competition. We need to continue that and qualify now.

"The competition for places in incredible really. It's the best squad I've been involved in - everyone's fighting for the one to 11 strips and it's great for the country.

"The manager has got us playing some nice football now, he wants us to get the ball down at every opportunity and to play fast, attacking football."