CRYSTAL PALACE: Pardew stalls on new contract until the Eagles are safe

Palace host Everton tonight looking to record back-to-back wins following last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Norwich City.

The three points opened a 10-point gap between Palace and the relegation places, and has virtually assured their place in the top flight next season.

However, Pardew will not consider his contract situation until there is no doubt.

He said: “I want to stay here at Crystal Palace, but I have to wait until we are mathematically safe before signing a new contract.

“Once we’re safe, hopefully I’ll sign.”

The win over the Canaries ended a run of 13 Premier League games without a win, and was a much-needed confidence booster ahead of the Everton, Arsenal and Manchester United.

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Pardew said: “Winning gives everybody a lift. We weren't expecting that run to go on as long as it went on.

“The confidence levels, hopefully, have gone up, and our nervousness has disappeared.”

He added: “To keep that [atmosphere] and to have that support on a run like we were on is unique and that is special.”

Pardew is expecting to field a strong side tonight, save for the absence of Emmanuel Adebayor.

“[Connor] Wickham was involved in the last game and will be this game, but Adebayor is not fit and has gone into the squad,” he said.

“[James] McArthur is very close. He's trained with us now and if all goes well he could feature at Man Utd.

“Our bench is going to be very strong against Everton, for the first time in a long time. We're pretty much there, with the exception of Ade.”