Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham is delighted to be fully fit going into the new season.

Wickham was a second half substitute in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Reading as he made his first appearance at senior level since suffering a knee injury in November 2016.

The striker revealed after just how much it meant to him to be part of the 4-0 win.

He told the club's website: “I nearly got a bit emotional; it has been a long time coming. It has been the hardest period of my career but is something I can learn from but I have missed being out there so much, you just don't realise how much until you get the chance to get back into the action.

“I felt good, sharp and strong so hopefully I can just stay injury free for the remainder of pre-season and go into the new campaign fully fit."