YOU could have forgiven David Wright for revelling in Crystal Palace’s win at his former club on Saturday – but he’s got far more class than that.

Hugely respected by Ipswich fans for his professionalism to the club - both on and off the pitch - during a three-and-a-half season spell, many were disappointed to see him released by Roy Keane at the end of the 2009/10 campaign.

The 31-year-old, who still lives in the town with his young family, was instead offered a new lease of footballing life with the Eagles.

And boy is he enjoying it, the former full-back using all his experience to good effect in a new-look defensive midfield role.

“I take no extra pleasure in coming back here and getting a win,” said Wright, following his side’s impressive 1-0 victory at Portman Road.

“I still live in Ipswich and I’ve got a lot of time for the club.

“I must admit it was a shame to leave, but I’m really enjoying my time now.”

With Wright quietly and effectively breaking up play in front of the back four, Palace’s exciting young duo Wilfried Zaha and Sean Scannell are doing the damage in attack.

“It’s a pleasure to watch these young kids doing what they do,” said Wright. “The hardest thing is actually maintaining concentration and not getting caught up watching them.

“They’re very different. Wilfried is obviously all skill and trickery, whereas Scans is more powerful and direct. They’re both forward thinking though and cause havoc.

“The gaffer has got them on a tight leash and is keeping on top of them, making sure they keep doing the right things.”

With Palace now up to third in the table, does Wright think the Londoners are capable of maintaining a top-six challenge?

“We haven’t set ourselves any targets and I don’t think we will,” said the Cheshire-born player. “We are really taking it a game at a time, but if we keep working hard and producing the quality we are producing who knows what will happen?”