Roy Hodgson: 'Alexander Sorloth deserved his goal'

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has lavished praise on striker Alexander Sorloth following his side's 1-0 victory over Swansea City on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old netted in the 70th minute to push his side to the third round of the EFL Cup, marking his first goal in an Eagles shirt.

The fixture at the Liberty Stadium was Sorloth's first start for his new club, and Hodgson was delighted with his performance.

"He was good and his physical stats are phenomenal. He deserved his goal, he worked very hard," Hodgson told reporters after the game.

"He has been making steady improvement in the time he has been with us, having started well, before getting an injury. He works very hard at his game.

"We are pleased we had that option and a centre forward of his type and a centre-forward of [Christian] Benteke's type, a target that can be quite important for you going through a full season."

Palace will host Southampton in the Premier League at Selhurst Park on Saturday.