Pardew praises Wenger over Sanogo signing

Alan Pardew is thankful that Arsene Wenger allowed Yaya Sanogo to join Crystal Palace - but admits that it is a shame he cannot feature in Saturday's clash at Selhurst Park.

Pardew signed the 22-year-old striker on loan from Arsenal in the January window but he is unavailable for selection as he is not allowed to play against his parent club.

The French striker has made four appearances so far for Palace and has become an important part of Pardew's squad.

Pardew admires what Wenger has done throughout his managerial career and believes that if it was not for him then Sanogo may have chosen to go elsewhere.

"The determination of where Yaya went - Arsene had a big influence on that - he could have went back to Auxerre and he had other Premier League options, but Arsene was kind enough to steer him our way," said Pardew.

"I'm very thankful of him [Wenger] to loan us Yaya Sanogo. It is just a shame he can't feature in this game."