CRYSTAL Palace midfielder James McArthur says he's been playing through the pain barrier recently but is delighted to help the club pick up points.
The Eagles have bounced back superbly following the international break, with just one defeat in their last five games.
And that defeat to Aston Villa was harsh having dominated the contest at Selhurst Park.
McArthur scored his first goal for Palace on Saturday against Stoke City and even though the visitors hit back immediately, the engine-roomer was happy to avoid defeat.
"I've got some bruised ribs but I'll be fine," he said. "I've never been one for injuries and then this year I've picked up a couple of knocks. I hope I'm over that now.
"We were disappointed not to win the match (against Stoke)."
"We had a few chances where we should have maybe taken them, and I had a couple as well where the goalkeeper made saves.
"On the whole we're disappointed but we'll take the point and move on. It was a dogged performance from both sides but it was important we didn't lose the game.
"We played against Sunderland at home where we were on top a lot and we let that point get away.
"It's making sure you don't lose games as well. We obviously want to do everything we can to win the game but it's important we don't lose."
Meanwhile, McArthur has urged the club's ground staff to get the Selhurst Park pitch up to scratch as soon possible, with the next game at home coming on Boxing Day against Southampton.
"I think it's something the club are trying to address," he said.
"It wasn't great, it's been cutting up for a number of weeks and I think it doesn't help us or other players playing on it."
By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)
