Christian Benteke admits he urged Crystal Palace not to sell Wilfried Zaha last month.

Benteke believes Zaha's match-winning performance against Middlesbrough on Saturday showed why it was so important the 23-year-old stayed.

Zaha wanted to sign for Tottenham at the end of the transfer window but Palace rejected a £14million bid from Spurs.

Benteke said: “That is why, before the end of the transfer window, I told the manager we have to keep him, because it would be a massive boost for us. He had a great game."