MILE JEDINAK says the international break could be good for Palace this time around on the back of losing to Hull City last weekend, but insists morale in the camp is still good.
The Eagles' unbeaten record under Neil Warnock in the Premier League was brought to an end by Steve Bruce's side, and some players are now playing games for their country.
However, Jedinak says that the focus will swiftly move on to facing Chelsea at Selhurst Park once he and the likes of James McArthur, Barry Bannan, Yannick Bolasie and Joe Ledley return next week.
And the 30-year-old says the squad needs to stay "hungry and focused" under Warnock despite the small setback at the KC Stadium. "The gaffer has stuck by the lads who have got results recently but that's not to say other players aren't in contention," said Jedinak.
"In the next week they will be working hard to show what they can do. We will need that, having the squad competing all over the place. It's about everyone staying hungry and focused.
"We have time now to get the Hull result out of our system, to regroup and to get our gameplan spot-on for the Chelsea game.
"The boys will have a little bit of time to themselves but they'll have it in their minds that if the discipline state remains the same, then maybe a result like last season against Chelsea can happen.
"It's something to keep working on, improving ourselves and striving on when it's not looking good and dig deep.
"At the end of the day that's what our success has been built on and that shouldn't change.
"Morale is certainly not down, the boys accept the Hull defeat for what it is. We know we could have done better with the goals conceded and it's something we can't dwell on.
"That's why the international break is good, so you can get things out of your system then it's ready to go. The boys have an opportunity to step away for a bit then come back as hungry as ever to do well.
"I am playing in the Middle East over in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for Australia but once I get back I'll be ready with my Palace cap back on."
Losing defender Scott Dann after just 12 minutes last Saturday was a blow to everyone at Palace, and Jedinak says that depending on how long the centre-back is ruled out for, it is an opportunity for someone else to come in and "step up".
Martin Kelly was the man to move to the heart of defence as Adrian Mariappa came on and played at right-back against the Tigers.
"You have to get on with the job but Scott's a massive influence at the back," said the captain.
"He's a big organiser, he's vocal and he likes to lead by example. Obviously he's been a big part of our success this year and losing him is very unfortunate.
"It is now a chance for someone else to come in. Adrian did well when he came on and Martin did well stepping into centre-back.
"The gaffer wasn't afraid to put him there and we all know what he's about. He can play at right-back and centre-back, and I felt he gave a good account of himself.
"It's something we have to deal with. Unfortunate circumstances can happen in football, that's the nature of the game.
"I don't think his injury shook us up too much but he's a huge loss for us. Hopefully it's not a long lay-off.
"Whoever gets the opportunity to come in has to step up and deliver."
