Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta sets two targets after overcoming transfer saga

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Jean-Philippe Mateta was booed on his Crystal Palace return against Larnaca in March following the collapse of his deadline-day switch to AC Milan.

Eight weeks later, he's dreaming of firing Oliver Glasner's side to Conference League glory and clinching a place in France's World Cup squad.

After brushing aside a problematic knee issue, Mateta has climbed off the canvas to restore his status as a modern-day Eagles icon.

But he insists the job is not finished yet, explaining: "For me that's all in the past and I just need to keep working hard. I have big goals in my life and I've now forgotten about all of this [failing AC Milan medical].

"Now I want to give 100 per cent for the supporters, it would mean a lot to achieve these things and I will keep pushing towards it."

Victory today against Everton would secure top-flight safety for Palace.

Following the ecstasy of Thursday evening, Mateta envisages no problems diverting focus back to the Premier League , even though there's a showpiece European final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on the horizon.

It's something Glasner's squad mastered last season on the long-winding road to their historic FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

The Frenchman continued: "I'm already used to it. Last year we played Arsenal [2-2 draw] before beating Aston Villa in the semi-final.

"It's the same now; we have to be professional and we are already focusing on Everton.

"The Premier League is the best championship in the world , whenever you face a Premier League team, you know it will be tough."

Mateta believes anything is possible with Glasner at the helm - even if he has just five matches left as Eagles boss.

The centre-forward claims the 51-year-old has turned Palace from doubters into believers.

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He continued: "I think he has changed how Crystal Palace was. When he came we started to win trophies and I hope for this last game we're going to win it together.

"We've worked so hard, we have a fantastic manager who taught us everything to do on the pitch and we also have a fantastic group."

Ismaila Sarr netted his 19th goal of the season in midweek against Shakhtar Donetsk, taking his Conference League tally to nine.

Mateta refutes any suggestion the Senegal international is underrated because he certainly isn't within the walls of Palace's dressing room.

The 28-year-old continued: "He's not underrated, he always plays good. He's done so well and I'm very happy for him, he's the top goalscorer in the Conference League.

"I hope he will score in the final as well and help us bring the trophy home."

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