Jordan Ayew has described his fellow Ghanaian teammate Jeffrey Schlupp as a massive player for Crystal Palace.

Ayew has been the Eagles standout player this season with eight goals to his name, his best tally in England to date.

27-year old Schlupp, meanwhile, has two goals and one assist and has been out with a hip injury since mid-December.

He did, however, return to the bench as an unused substitute in Palace's 1-0 win against Watford, in which Ayew scored.

"Jeffrey is a massive player to this team with his pace – we miss his pace – he’s an important player,” Ayew told the club website.

“We are delighted that he is almost back and ready to help us hopefully get as many points as we can.”

Jordan has been very fit this season, playing 30 games in all competitions, failing to start a game only once and credits his strong fitness to his belief in God.

"I just want to continue to always thank God,” he continued.

“I’m a big believer in God; I pray a lot. I think it is something everyone has their own decision on – it is a personal thing.

"I am a big believer because I am in a family where we believe a lot in Allah and it is a positive thing.”