Socceroo captain Mile Jedinak has hailed Crystal Palace’s capture of Yohan Cabaye but insists the arrival of the France international won’t force him out of the EPL club.
Former Newcastle United man Cabaye has returned to the Premier League after an indifferent 18 months at Paris Saint-Germain, where he failed to hold down a regular first-team berth.
Reported to be a long-term target for Arsenal, the Eagles were something of a surprise destination for the 29-year-old midfielder, who has been reunited with his former Newcastle boss Alan Pardew.
“With Cabaye coming in it’s a massive deal for the club,” Jedinak said.
“We all know his pedigree and what he has done in the Premier League, being an international player.”
The arrival of Cabaye, a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France winner with Lille in 2010-11, is a direct threat to Jedinak’s place in the Palace line-up.
But the rugged Australia international, captain for both club and country, claimed he has received assurances over his short-term future, amid reported interest from ex-Palace manager Tony Pulis, now in charge at West Bromwich Albion.
“There’s always a fight for positions and that’s the way it should be,” the Socceroos skipper said.
“Come game day is up to you to deliver and you go out there with your team-mates’ well-wishes.
“I’m here now, and I think all of that is just talk. I don’t take too much notice.
“It’s been made clear, there is no doubt about that and I am looking forward to the challenge and taking this club to the next level.”