Dwight Gayle admits his record fee did affect the start to his career at Crystal Palace.

The former Peterborough United striker moved to Selhurst Park last year for £4.5million - a modest fee in today's climate but still a record deal for the Eagles - and admits to feeling the pressure that came with his price tag.

Gayle no longer carries that burden following the £7million arrival of James McArthur and says it is finally time to make his mark in the Premier League.

"Obviously my first season didn't go the way I probably wanted it to," Gayle told the London Evening Standard. "There were still some memorable moments but I'd be lying if I told you the fee didn't add some pressure.

"When I'm performing well then it's not going to bother me, but when I'm perhaps not scoring then it's going to play in my ear.

"But this year I've not really thought about it. It's been a year and a half since I arrived here and I'm settled now. There are no excuses for me not performing.

"I think I've moved on, last year it played on my mind but you've just got to get on with things and perform. I want to prove myself in the Premier League."