Glenn Murray has reflected on the last few months when he went from a Crystal Palace outcast to a member of the first team.
The 31-year-old was sent out on loan to Reading by former boss Neil Warnock last year, but Murray has since returned to first-team duties under new manager Alan Pardew.
After coming back into the side seven months after being offloaded on a temporary basis, the striker has scored four goals in his last four games.
"I didn't have any experience under the old manager, it was literally three or four days and then I was out the door," Murray told Sky Sports News. "It was right at the end of the transfer window.
"It was with a view to a permanent. Things didn't work out, and football throws things like that up. Then I land back and I'm playing in the first team here - it's a funny old game."
Palace will take on Manchester City at Selhurst Park this evening.