On Lerma’s impact – with the Colombian the only introduction to the team which had played Arsenal at the Emirates the previous weekend – Richards noted: “Jeff brings a lot to this team.
“This is the reason why he’s played for his national team for multiple years now: because he brings a lot of fight, but also he brings a lot of passion and brings a lot of quality.
“You know, whenever somebody steps out, he comes in. And like I said, at Palace, we do this kind of ‘next man up’ – we have that mentality. Jeff took his chance and opportunity today and hopefully he gets a lot more.”
Richards missed the midweek win over Liverpool after a minor issue with his calf, but returned for the win over Brentford.
“There's been a lot of fixtures this season, whether it's with Palace or with the national team, and I'm just kind of trying to manage my body the right way possible,” Richards explained.
“It seemed to work tonight. I felt pretty good. And again, whatever I can do to help the team get three points, that's what I'll do.
“\[With so many games you have to\] try to rest as much as possible. I mean, there's not really much you can do. Whenever you have an off day, you make the most of the off day – and I'll be laying in bed for the next two days!”