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Alan Pardew tips new striker Christian Benteke to hit top form for Crystal Palace after run of games

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has backed Christian Benteke to hit top form once the Belgian striker spends more time on the pitch.

Benteke made his debut for the club in the 2-0 League Cup win against Blackpool but was substituted at half time by Connor Wickham, who netted Palace's second goal.

Pardew, who also handed goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and James Tomkins their first starts for Palace, hoped Benteke could recapture the form he was in during his Aston Villa tenure when he scored 49 goals in 101 appearances.

Christian Benteke will improve his form after a 'flow of games' according to Alan Pardew
Christian Benteke will improve his form after a 'flow of games' according to Alan Pardew
Pardew saw 'flashes' of why Crystal Palace spent a club record fee on the strikeru00a0
Pardew saw 'flashes' of why Crystal Palace spent a club record fee on the striker

'I thought he showed flashes of why we spent a club record fee on him.