Hughes is shaping up to earn his Palace reward

13 April 2012

Michael Hughes says he is in great shape to earn a contract extension at Crystal Palace.

The midfielder was only granted a one-year deal in the summer and has to play regularly to trigger a clause awarding him an extra season.

The 33-year-old was disappointed not to be given a straight two-year contract but believes he will get the extension anyway.

Hughes has already made five starts this campaign and ran the midfield in Palace's 3-0 win against West Brom on Saturday.

He provided the inspiration along with the prolific Andrew Johnson, who grabbed two goals after Fitz Hall opened the scoring.

Hughes said: "I am enjoying my football probably more than ever. I have got to make the most of it now.

"I feel as fresh as I ever have in the game. I don't feel far off as fresh as I was at 23 years old. As you get older you learn to live a bit better and that has made a big difference.

"Iain Dowie has been very careful with me and asks how I am feeling - if I need a day off - or to take it easy. I very much appreciate the fact he is looking after me.

"It would be nice to still be playing at 37 years old or 38. I want to go on for as long as I can.

"I have got this season on my contract and a certain number of games to play and then another contract will kick in for next season.

"It is something I think about from time to time but it is lovely to be playing in the Premiership. It is a great stage for us all and we have to grab hold of it." Saturday's win took Palace off the bottom and out of the relegation zone and Hughes believes it is because Dowie's team have realised the Premiership is not as daunting as it appears.

He said: "It is fantastic looking at the table now. Psychologically, to be out of the bottom three is a spur in itself.

"We are not getting carried away but we have to keep doing what we have been doing and we will have a chance.

"We thought this league was going to be a lot more quick and physical than the First Division.

"Maybe when you are outside of the Premiership looking in it always looks better.

"We have re-assessed the situation and have come to the conclusion that we have got to play football and are good enough to do that."

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West Bromwich Albion

Hughes is shaping up to earn his Palace reward

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