CRYSTAL Palace defender Jonathan Parr says Joel Ward stepped up well to another role in the team on Saturday against Newcastle United.
Ward, primarily a right-back, started the contest in central midfield alongside Mile Jedinak after Stuart O'Keefe and Kagisho Dikgacoi were ruled out with injury.
"It's not his preferred role but he did a job there and did OK, but it's not where he's the best," Parr told the Advertiser.
"Of course, it would have been good to have KG or Stuart in there, but that's how it is sometimes, you get injuries and others have to step up and do a job.
"I thought Joel did that. He is a full-back stepping up to do another job and I thought he did all right."
And Parr, who picked up a hand injury during the 2-0 loss to the Magpies, is hoping Palace can take something from their Boxing Day at Aston Villa before taking on Manchester City.
"We just want to have as many players as fit as possible now for these next few games," he said.
"We know we have two away games now. The Manchester City game is probably the toughest one, so hopefully we'll get something out of Villa and then have something to build on.
"They are two tight games, with just one day in between and we just have to prepare now for Villa first, do our best there and hopefully take something as a positive for Man City.
"Everyone is disappointed with the result against Newcastle and we know we can do better.
"We just have to look forward now and pick up points."Don't miss a big interview with Parr on his comeback from injury and his thoughts on what went wrong against Newcastle, in this Friday's Croydon Advertiser.
And follow us on Twitter @AdvertiserSport for live updates from Villa Park and the Etihad Stadium - the Advertiser will be reporting from both.
