Last Updated: Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:36
Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha revealed he hit the weights over the summer to bulk up ahead of this season.
The England Under-21 international admitted he had found it difficult to compete in such a physical league to begin with.
"I realised I had to because the Championship is quite a physical league," he told the South London Press. "For my tricks to work and for me to be able to go past a player I needed to bulk up a bit.
"I can feel the benefit getting away from players and holding the ball up. I've prepared myself more if they want to get in a wrestling battle with me."
Zaha, who is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal, admitted he misses his surroundings when on duty with the young Lions and is enjoying life at Selhurst Park.
"It's nice returning to my club because although I enjoy playing with England, I get homesick," he added. "Being out of the area even for just a week is weird to me. I can't get used to it. I feel loved when I'm at Palace - it is a great team to be at."
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