Dwight Gayle's first half hat-trick not only sent Crystal Palace into the third round of the Capital One Cup last night, but caretaker manager Keith Millen believes it also sent a message to the rest of his underperforming squad.
Millen made nine changes to the side that lost 3-1 at home to West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday, with only Damian Delaney and Barry Bannan keeping their places.
Walsall were blown away by three first-half strikes from Gayle, making his first start of the season, leaving Millen with a possible selection quandary.
He said: "We have not let ourselves down the last couple of games in the Premier League, but we've not performed like we can.
"This performance tonight will give a bit of a gee up to the first team players and they know there's some competition there."
He added: "My mindset is now to move on to Newcastle. I enjoy being in charge of the players - I enjoy making decisions and they are a good group to work with."
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