Alan Pardew has paid tribute to match-winning debutant Bakary Sako following his late strike in Crystal Palace's 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Selhurst Park yesterday.
The 26-year-old - signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a Bosman during the summer - announced himself to Palace fans in style by drilling an 88th-minute winner past Brad Guzan following an error from left-back Jordan Amavi.
Sako, who netted 15 goals in the Championship last term, was Wolves' Player of the Year, and Pardew admits to being surprised over the lack of competition for his signature.
"I think there were maybe a couple of foreign clubs interested and a couple of Premier League clubs," he told reporters.
"His credentials, when you look at it, it seems a bit strange that there wasn't more [clubs] involved.
"He was player of the year at Wolves, the goals he's scored, the way he plays - and he's announced himself in no uncertain manner."
Scott Dann had opened the scoring on 72 minutes, before Pape Souare's own goal, brought about by Adama Traore's mazy run, levelled matters on 79 minutes.
Shane Callaghan
