Connor Wickham has stepped his return from a long-term injury layoff by playing a part in Crystal Palace Under-23s' 4-0 win over their Cardiff City counterparts.

The 24-year-old has been on the sidelines since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage against Swansea City in a Premier League match 17 months ago.

Wickham has been training with the U23s side over the last week and was brought on for the final 20 minutes of the Professional Development League match against the Bluebirds on Tuesday afternoon.

Former Ipswich Town and Sunderland striker Wickham is now expected to continue featuring for the reserve side, before potentially playing a part in Palace's survival battle at senior level in the coming weeks.

Goals from James Daly, Levi Lumeka, Jason Lokilo and Joseph Hungbo earned the Eagles their straightforward win.