Djilali aims to play a key role for Palace

by Daniel Jones

KIERAN Djilali is hoping his first senior goal in Palace colours will secure him an extended run in the side.

The teenager's second half tap-in earned the Eagles a valuable draw at Doncaster Rovers, dragging the team out of the Championship drop zone.

With Neil Danns' sore back keeping him out of the clash at Keepmoat Stadium, Djilali was handed a starting role and the youngster impressed with a lively display on the right wing.

Rovers had dominated the first half and led at the interval courtesy of James Coppinger's left footed strike.

But the Eagles fought back well after the break and picked up an important away point thanks to Djilali's goal after 67 minutes.

"It was nice score but the result was more important today because we've been on bit of a downhill slide with administration and everything," he said afterwards. "I'm just happy to take my personal achievement out of the game as well. I'm really pleased."

Djilali was sent out on loan to Chesterfield earlier in the season. He had the opportunity to extend his stay at the League Two outfit but decided to come back and fight for his place at Palace.

And the goal at Doncaster has convinced the 19-year-old he made the right decision.

"They asked me to go on to the end of the season at Chesterfield, but I just thought with the thiness of the squad here I had a real chance to get in.

"It's taken a bit of time, a bit longer than I had I hoped for, but now that I'm in, hopefully I can stay there.

"I've always had belief in my own ability. It was just a question of when I got the chance I had to take it. It's all in my hands, I've got to keep working hard and hopefully the gaffer keeps the faith in me and keeps me in the team."