Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he has been pleased with the contribution of Dwight Gayle and has backed the striker to score more goals.

Gayle has been with the Eagles since 2013 after moving to Selhurst Park following a season at Peterborough United.

But he has never been prolific in front of goal for the club and has netted only 12 top-flight goals from 51 Premier League appearances to date.

The Londoner was heavily linked with a move away in the summer and it appeared as though he would sign for Bristol City.

But the deal failed to materialise and the former Dagenham & Redbridge ace is now getting his head down and enjoying another season in England’s top division.

And Pardew has backed Gayle to continue his progression and to start finding the back of the net with more regularity.

“I have been impressed with him. Dwight just needs that consistently, but he will score goals,” he said. “I didn’t want him to leave this summer, it was only him getting frustrated with game time.”

Palace have enjoyed a solid start to their campaign and sit seventh in the Premier League standings at present, with victory over champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge proving that they can mix it with the big boys.

Goals have been hard to come by but they have been solid at the back, with only seven conceded in nine league games, and they will be tested once again when Tony Pulis brings his West Brom stars to south London on Saturday.

Palace can be backed at 1.75 to down the Baggies with the visitors on offer at 5.00 to spoil their party.