Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has said he is not surprised by the impact Roy Hodgson has had since returning to Crystal Palace.

The Eagles have had an upturn in form since Hodgson returned to the club last month, winning three games in a row following his appointment as interim manager until the end of the season.

After beating Leicester City (2-1), Leeds United (5-1) and Southampton (2-0), Palace's progress has stalled a little with a goalless draw at home against Everton and a 2-0 defeat against Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday night.

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But Palace now sit seven points clear of the relegation zone with five games left to play, with the Eagles 12th in the table and looking on course for another season in the Premier League.

And Hamann says that while he was surprised Palace parted company with Patrick Vieira, he feels the Eagles have made a good decision bringing Hodgson back to the club.

Speaking to AceOdds.com, he said: "Not really. I think Roy [Hodgson], there's probably not many more experienced than him. He knows what to do, he knows his job and that's why he's in the game for the best part of 30 or 40 years.

"I was a little bit surprised Patrick Vieira didn't really get more out of the team because I think Patrick will turn into a very good manager. It's a shame that it didn't really work out towards the end at Crystal Palace.

"But if you look at the team, they've got so many interesting players. Hugely talented side, and I'm not too surprised because Roy is like life insurance."

Palace are back in action at Selhurst Park this weekend, with West Ham United the visitors to south London on Saturday.

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