Bakary Sako believes that he is getting used to playing as a striker and improving as a player, thanks to Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson.

The former Wolves man has been utilised in a more advanced role at times this season, with Palace having only one recognised centre forward in Christian Benteke for much of the campaign.

And although he was bought to the club as a winger, the Malian international says that after scoring twice in the past few weeks, he is adapting to the role of playing up front, adding that he feels that is down to the current Eagles manager.

“I was not used to playing as a striker but under Roy Hodgson I have learned a lot and have been delighted to have the chance to play there,” he told the club website.

“I am getting used to what is expected in that role, he has spoken to me about the importance of the movement, what is expected of me in different areas and I am learning all the time, and obviously it has been good to have scored a couple of goals while playing there.

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“For me personally to have the chance to battle for a place is great because it’s about having that competition and the more people battling for places means the level is raised in training and we are all in there showing what we can do.”