Crystal Palace fullback Pape Souare is thrilled with his playing return this week.

Souare came on as a half-time substitute in Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup — a year on from a horrific accident that left him with a broken thigh and a fractured jaw.

The defender was introduced to chants of 'One Pape Souare' ringing around Selhurst Park and admitted he found it emotional being back on a football pitch.

Souare, who feared he would never walk again after his crash and feels lucky to be alive, said today: “It was a fantastic feeling to be back.

“I just want to say thanks to the fans. That touched me a lot and I give everything for them. I have been out for a long time so I was waiting for that moment."