Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has demanded on-field protection for his star player Wilfried Zaha.

The former England manager claims that the wide player has been targeted by opponents throughout the season. The Eagles, currently four points clear of the relegation zone, will face Hull City in a must-not-lose game at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

He said: "Wilfried needs more protection, so he can show his abilities more. I was told by the chairman it was happening before I got here, and obviously, you take it or leave it in terms of 'I'll find out for myself'.

"But I've found it to be the same. As he's such an outstandingly damaging player, he gets fouled more, and he actually gets fouled more than the rest of the team put together, most of the time.

"Often those fouls are ignored, and they frustrate Wilfried, and then he loses control sometimes."