Day two of your Crystal Palace Christmas Calendar, we're looking at number two...and 29.

Joel Ward

He lost his place as first choice right-back to Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the tail end of last season, so his game time has been limited as a result.

When Wan-Bissak was shown red however in the 2-0 defeat by Liverpool, Ward found himself thrust back in to the first XI. It was a chance he didn’t take.

How can anyone forget the last-minute header he put wide at Watford? He must surely be having nightmares about that still, it could’ve quite easily changed the fortunes of Hodgson’s men even at that early stage of the season.

READ: Crystal Palace Calendar: Day 1

When Wan-Bissaka’s suspension was served, Ward found himself back on the bench and used only in league cup games- one coming off the pine-pony.

The tall defender is what you’d call a ‘good squad player.’ At 29 and having served six years at the club, Ward may be thinking of leaving if he doesn’t get the minutes he craves.

It could’ve been such a different story if he’d put that header in the onion bag mind.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Yes he’s number 29 but he is without doubt Palace’s first choice right-back.

It seems every the 21-year-old gets better every performance, and that’s saying something considering his man of the match display against Fulham in the opening game of the season!

Despite a red-card against Liverpool, which some see as harsh, others see as ‘taking one for the team,’ the attack-minded defender has been an ever present in Hodgson’s side.

He’s forged a solid partnership going forward with Andros Townsend down the right, and his part in the defensive unit alongside James Tomkins has been Palace’s strong point this season despite results not going their way.

READ: The Rumour Mill at Crystal Palace - they couldn't sign him could they?

The starlet has not only impressed those at Selhurst with how he’s kicked, but also the vultures from the higher echelons of the league. A certain Pep is a known admirer, and even though Liverpool have a young right back of their own, there’s no denying Klopp wouldn’t love to have him at Anfield.

It’s a breath of fresh air to also give someone other than Wilfried Zaha some column inches too.