Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke says he's found his scoring boots thanks to becoming meaner on the pitch.

Having scored five goals this season (an improvement at this stage on the past three campaigns), Benteke admits it comes from a change in attitde.

He told Palace's website: “I am more selfish in what I want to achieve, being meaner to myself and constantly trying to better my capabilities. I try to be in the right place at the right time.

“As a striker, you need to play week in, week out. It is hard when you play one or two games then get put on the bench and then come back, as it is difficult to find your rhythm. To do that, I think you need to perform and make the task difficult for the manager."

Competition from teammates like Jean-Philippe Mateta would motivate most players to strive for improvement. But Benteke explains that places in the Palace XI have always been fought for.

“[There is] competition with Jordan [Ayew] and Wilf [Zaha], so with Mateta being a new addition, it doesn't change the way in which I challenge myself every game, every training session.

“It is something good as it gives me many options but at the same time you have to perform to maintain a stable place."