Crystal Palace’s Scott Dann praises Wayne Hennessey for owning up to mistakes

Speaking in the pre-Everton programme, Hennessey admitted he had made some “crucial” errors in January, but still hopes to become a fan-favourite at the club.

After keeping a second successive clean sheet against Everton on Wednesday night, Dann was adamant the Welsh stopper is Palace’s No.1.

“He’s a top goalkeeper and I think he’s come into the team at the start of the season and he has made the No.1 jersey his own, he deserves to be there,” said Dann.

“It takes a big man to own up to his mistakes, mistakes only make you better. You learn from them and don’t let them happen again, we all make mistakes.

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“He didn’t have much to do [against Everton] but when he was called upon he made some crucial saves.

“He is an important player for us and hopefully he can carry on performing like that.”

Hennessey has become the unlikely first-choice under Alan Pardew ahead of club-legend Julian Speroni and summer signing Alex McCarthy.

The Wales international enjoyed a successful first half of the season with both club and country, and after a winter blip, Dann believes Hennessey has reacted brilliantly.

“That’s the biggest part of going on to reach your full potential, when you do make a mistake it’s how you react to it,” the 29-year-old added.

“Everyone makes mistakes and the ones who stay at the top of the game for the longer periods are the ones who can learn from their mistakes and don’t keep making the same ones.”