Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa had a rare Premier League outing on Saturday - just his third appearance of 2015 - helping Alan Pardew’s men to a 3-1 victory over a woeful QPR.

Rarer still for Mariappa was an appearance in midfield - not his usual position - as he replaced Wilfried Zaha in the second half after the winger succumbed to injury having crashed into the goal post when scoring in the first half.

The 28-year-old happened to be warming up nearby when Zaha collided with the upright.

He said: “It looked a bit nasty, but he’s did really well to carry on and I thought he was great today.

“I came on to do a job in midfield - to lock it up a bit.

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“All of us on the bench are ready and waiting to come on. It’s a squad game and I thought the lads were terrific in such a massive game for us."

He added: “I’d like to play centre half, that’s my position, but if the gaffer wants to put me on and use me anywhere on the pitch, like all the other lads, you just want to be on the pitch.”

The 2013 summer transfer deadline day signing from Reading was also full of praise for Joel Ward, who finally opened his Crystal Palace account in his 98th appearance.

“I am delighted for Wardy to score that goal, it’s been a long time coming for him,” he said.

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“He’s been threatening to score a few goals since last season and he’s a great attacking full back - it’s great for him to get his first goal and hopefully that can kick-start him to get a few more.”

The next test for Mariappa and the Eagles will be at Stoke City on Saturday, and the Jamaican international is certain of one thing - that he and his fellow players will be giving it 100 per cent.

“We know we’re not safe yet and we’ll be battling to try and get as high up the league as we can,” he said.

“It’s a really tough place to go and they’ve been doing well of late - it’s another big game for us but we go there full of confidence.”

The next time the Palace squad play in SE25 will be on Easter Monday evening, under the lights and in from of the TV cameras against Manchester City.

Mariappa, who has made 15 appearances for Palace this season, is looking forward to finishing the season at home on a high note.

“For whatever reason we haven’t picked up as many points as we’d like at home,” he explained.

Selhurst Park is a tough place to come for everyone and there’s still a good few games left here until the end of the season.

“We’re looking to finish the season strongly.”