Alan Pardew hails Crystal Palace's Yohan Cabaye as "world-class"

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has insisted that "world-class" summer signing Yohan Cabaye could play for a top-four side.

Pardew managed Cabaye for three years at Newcastle United between 2011 and 2014 before the French international left for Paris Saint-Germain last summer, but the Eagles paid a club record fee to bring the midfielder back to Selhurst Park.

Speaking to Palace's official website, Pardew revealed that he was delighted to have been able to link up with his former player again.

"You're not going to get more of a top player than Yohan Cabaye," he said.

"He's a French international, he's desperate to play in the European Championships and he's come here to do it. Because the Premier League is where it's at for world-class players.

"Yohan Cabaye could play for any of the top-four sides, trust me he can. So can he play here? For sure. Will he play on Saturday? Yes. And is he an important signing for us? Yes, it was a fantastic boost to get him."

Palace begin their season away at promoted side Norwich City on Saturday.