Pardew: Tomkins one of my best Palace signings

Losing their captain would be a big problem for most Premier League teams, but Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew insists James Tomkins is more than good enough to fill in for Scott Dann.

Tomkins, a summer signing from West Ham, played alongside Damien Delaney in the heart of Palace’s defence for the first time this season in their 3-2 win at Sunderland.

Dann could be rushed back to face Everton on Friday night, but Pardew says he will hold off and let the 29-year-old fully recover from his hamstring injury because he has faith in Tomkins.

The 27-year-old has had to wait for his chance to shine at centre-back, but Pardew insists he is one of his best signings this season.

“I had James as a youth player at West Ham, so I know his personality,” he said.

Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

“He was just breaking into the squad there and I took him to the FA Cup final in 2006 for the experience.

“He’s very level-headed, and then he had all the attributes but no experience. He’s gained that experience, and at 27 years old I think he has around 300 Premier League games.

“I think, if I’m honest, we got a bit of a bargain. His strengths are his passing quality, he’s very calm in possession, and I think the modern centre-back needs to have that.

“He is powerful enough in the air to cope with the demands of Premier League and he’s a winner.

“That winning mentality is something we must not lose here. The winning mentality or the never-say-die attitude that we have here, makes up for a lot of technical deficiencies, so when you’re playing the top teams you have got to have that in your players.

“So when I’m bringing players to the club, I have to make sure that is high up on their criteria.”