Crystal Palace skipper Mark Hudson has promised he will not let his long-running contract talks affect his form.

The former Fulham defender is having more talks this week in a bid to thrash out a deal to stay at Selhurst Park.

Hudson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been in superb form at the heart of the Palace's defence.

And the 25-year-old said: "I want to stay.

"We are doing so well at the moment so why would I want to go anywhere else?

"It is not really bothering me. Obviously, I want to get it sorted, but it is something that is at the back of my mind.

"The sooner it gets sorted the better but, if it takes longer than usual, then fine."

Hudson's form has been key to Palace's revival under Neil Warnock, but he knows has no divine right to play every week.

"Being captain doesn't mean anything if you are not playing well, he said.

"The fact that we are doing well at the moment makes it even more important for the manager to play the players who are in form.

"If that is someone other than me then so be it.

"Hopefully, I can stay in-form and stay in the team."

Fresh from Palace's third clean sheet in four matches, Hudson was also full of praise for central defensive partner Matt Lawrence.

"Matt is a vastly experience player, he played centre-back at Millwall for a long time and I think that is his preferred position, said Hudson.

"He is a great talker and a leader so it's good to play next to him. Clean sheets are something we look for as a team, not just the back four.

"We have got one of the best defensive records in the league and that is a great bonus."

  • Why not discuss this story on our forum. Just click here.