August 30 2017

Pape Souare

Pape Souare is targeting a return to the Crystal Palace first team after making a remarkable recovery from injury.

The defender suffered a broken thigh and jaw in an horrific car crash on the M4 last September and it was feared his career was over.

But the 27-year-old has worked hard to finally make a return to action and he played 45 minutes for the Eagles' U23 side at wing-back this week.

He told the Palace website: "Now it is about working hard to keep getting my fitness to the level it needs to be so I am ready to challenge for the first team squad when I can.

"I was always focused on my rehab and always believed that one day I would be back. I knew that after my operation I would have to work hard to make sure that I was strong enough to play. It has been a long journey so it is pleasing to have played half of this game.

"I just wish and hope that one day I get the chance to run out in front of the fans for a first-team game because they have been great, really encouraging me since the accident and I would like to thank them all."