Bakary Sako admitted his match-winning debut for Crystal Palace was a dream come true.

The winger only joined the Selhurst Park club from Wolves three days before the season began and finally made his first start against Aston Villa on Saturday.

And what a start it was, as Sako struck three minutes from time to ensure it was the Eagles who emerged as 2-1 victors over Tim Sherwood’s side.

He said: “I could not have dreamed more than that - 90 minutes, three points and a goal.

“The most important thing was the three points today.

“Everybody was saying I have scored goals in the Championship but can he do it in the Premier League.

“This is a really good start to show everyone that I can do it. I hope I will score some more goals.”

Sako scored 36 times during his three-year spell with Wolves and attracted plenty of interest during the close season.

However, it was the positive impression made by Eagles boss Alan Pardew which persuaded the 27-year-old to pen a three-year deal in SE25.

He explained: “I had a few options so I took my time. I think I took the right option.

“I was linked with a few clubs.

“When I met Alan, I felt something happen.

“Palace play attacking football, so I was happy to join.

“He said ‘come here, you are going to enjoy it, score goals and play with some great players’.”

Sako added: “He is a very good manager and I think I am going to learn a lot from him.

“It is good to have a good relationship between the players and the manager.

“This enthusiasm can bring the team to the top.”

Sako was in the starting XI because Yannick Bolasie’s dad sadly died before the game and the Mali international was keen to extend his sympathies to his Palace team-mate afterwards.

“I feel very sorry for his loss,” he said.

“But the manager wanted me to play and I think I responded well.”

Sako knew when he arrived there were no guarantees he would be starting games after leaving behind regular football with Championship Wolves, but pointed out his own self belief is one of his biggest strengths.

He explained: “I am a confident player. I knew there were some good players at this club and I came.

“You have to have confidence to go up and do well for the team.

“I think I proved that I was more than capable of playing at (Premier League) level.

“Why not join Palace to prove how good I think I can be.”

Saturday was a first glimpse of what Sako has to offer the Selhurst faithful and the star man was delighted to have made such an instant impression.

He added: “I am very pleased about that.

“I want to thank them for the support they have shown.

“I had a bit of a late pre-season but I had a few games for the U21s and I am feeling really good.”

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