Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira calls on Wilfried Zaha to be more consistent

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has said Wilfried Zaha “needs to be more consistent” as the forward prepares to make his comeback.

Zaha is set to be involved on Wednesday when Vieira’s men face Norwich at Carrow Road.

The 29-year-old has missed Palace’s last six matches in all competitions after serving a suspension and then playing for Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Zaha has scored five goals and registered one assist for Palace in 17 Premier League appearances this season.

When asked at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday if he felt Zaha was playing to his full potential this term, Vieira said: “I think with his potential he can do more.

“I’m really demanding on him because of his ability, in possession and out of possession. I think he’s a player that can deliver and he needs to be more consistent.

“He is an important player for the team and for the squad. Obviously we are a stronger team when he is on the field and plays at the level we all know he can do.”

Vieira also spoke about the need for Zaha’s team-mates to “take more responsibility”.

“There is no doubt about his talent,” Vieira said.

“I think what is important and what I want is other players around to take responsibility. I don’t want to put all that responsibility on one player.

“Of course, when you are Wilfried Zaha, with the experience and with what he has been doing in the Premier League, the focus and the eyes will be more on him, and that is normal. But players around him need to take more responsibility.”

Vieira had earlier said that while he was “quite pleased” with where Palace are currently at, it was “important for us to do better and win more football matches”, stressing the need to be “more ruthless” in attack and improve