Bolasie: ‘I’ve got a feeling’ about Palace in FA Cup

Yannick Bolasie has “got a feeling” Crystal Palace could go all the way in the FA Cup this season as he looks to fulfil a dream by playing at Wembley.

Friday night’s 2-0 quarter-final win at Reading, secured by Yohan Cabaye’s penalty and Frazier Campbell’s stoppage-time goal, guaranteed Palace a game at the national stadium.

They last appeared there in the 2013 play-off final when they defeated Watford 1- 0 in extra-time but when then-manager Ian Holloway made the call to leave out Bolasie.

“Obviously you’re devastated (to not play),” the winger said.

“Playing the whole season, being a part of that season, it’s difficult to take, but I had to relax and let it go by. Because I knew I was going to be playing in the Premier League and that was always my dream.

“It was fair enough. You’ve got to take it like a man. To not come on (as a substitute is) what hurt the most. That’s part of football. We got into the Premier League and I had to move on quick and focus on what’s ahead.

“I still enjoyed the day. As a player you always want to play, but sometimes things work out different ways. That’s what happened that day and I’ve moved on quick.

“It means a lot to myself, personally (to get the opportunity to return there). I didn’t get a chance, but hopefully now I’ll get the chance to play there. Providing I stay injury-free.

“I’ve always wanted to get to Wembley. We’ve been unlucky in the Cup over the last three years and now is a chance for us to resurrect it in the semi-final.

“I can see it from my mum’s house so all my family is going to be there and hopefully it’s a good day and we can get a win against whoever we play against.

“Getting into the semi-finals, anything can happen. I’ve got a feeling this year.”

Mile Jedinak captained Palace that day against Watford, as he did at the Madjeski Stadium on Friday night.

Asked about Bolasie not playing, he said: “It should be great for him to get a run-out there because we know what he’s done for us. He was probably unlucky to miss out but he’ll get his opportunity, no doubt.

“What he’s done over the last few seasons has been fantastic and it’s a pleasure to call him my team-mate.

“He’s a team player and would have been disappointed, but he enjoyed it as much as anyone because he knew he was going to get a great opportunity in the Premier League and hasn’t looked back since.

“We all know the significance of Wembley. I’ve had the pleasure of playing (there), let alone winning and going and lifting a trophy.

“It was a special, special day, for me, my family and my team-mates, which will run long in the memory.”