YANNICK Bolasie had 24 hours to prepare for Wednesday's match with Newcastle United having arrived back in the United Kingdom following his exploits at the African Cup of Nations.
The winger certainly didn't waste any time either, creating Fraizer Campbell's equaliser just three minutes after coming on midway through the second half.
It has certainly been a whirlwind month for Bolasie, who helped his country Democratic Republic of Congo finish third at the tournament while also picking up a bronze medal.
And he feels the experience abroad will put him in good stead for the future at Selhurst Park.
"I only came back on Tuesday morning and the manager wanted to see me and told me to be mentally ready," said Bolasie.
"I enjoyed my time at the African Cup of Nations, it's a big achievement coming third and getting a bronze medal.
"Beating Congo in the quarter-final, that's the biggest derby out there. There was a lot of emotion and when we were 2-0 down there was some panic, but we came back out to win 4-2.
"I feel I have grown as a player, experienced a lot and the pressure of playing for the country.
"There is pressure at Palace as well but I had to cope with things better. I scored in the first game and should have had a couple more but it wasn't to be.
"It's been good for Palace so far and we've been on a good run. Now we have recruited some players too so competition for places is helping."
By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)
