Grieving Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak hailed after scoring and dedicating goal to Phillip Hughes

CRYSTAL Palace captain Mile Jedinak has been praised for his courage in trying circumstances following the death of Aussie cricketer Phillip Hughes.

SWANSEA, WALES - NOVEMBER 29: Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace applauds the crowd after the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Crystal Palace at Liberty Stadium on November 29, 2014 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

CRYSTAL Palace’s Joe Ledley has hailed the courage of his captain Mile Jedinak following the death of Australian Test batsman Phillip Hughes.

Socceroos skipper Jedinak paid his own personal tribute to compatriot Hughes before Palace’s 1-1 draw at Swansea on Saturday when he carried out a cricket bat, which he placed along with a ball and a pair of caps on the touchline.

Hughes, 25, died on Thursday after being struck in the neck by a ball while batting for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield game in Sydney.

Socceroos skipper Jedinak paid his own personal tribute to compatriot Hughes when he carried out a cricket bat, which he placed along with a ball and a pair of caps on the touchline.

Jedinak made the poignant pre-match tribute and then scored from the penalty spot — his fifth goal in eight games — as Palace fought back to earn a prized Premier League point at the Liberty Stadium.

“Everyone in Australia is devastated by what happened, especially Mile being the captain of the Australia football team,” said Jedinak’s midfield colleague Ledley.

“That goal obviously meant a lot to Mile and we’re all behind him.

Mile Jedinak scores Crystal Palace’s first and equalising goal from a penalty. Picture: Harry Engels/Getty Images

“It’s been a difficult time for him but to go out there and play like he has done is fantastic.

“He’s determined as ever and it didn’t affect his performance at all.

“He’s done exactly the same in training because he’s a strong guy and personality and he’s been strong all week.”

Originally published as Grieving Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak hailed after scoring and dedicating goal to Phillip Hughes