Wilfried Zaha may have already secured a move to the Premier League next season with Manchester United but the England Under 21 winger ensured Crystal Palace remain in the hunt for a return to the top flight for the first time since 2005 after a double against Brighton and Hove Albion booked a play-off final date with Watford at Wembley.

After a goalless 159 minutes, Zaha broke the deadlock at The Amex as he evaded Wayne Bridge and headed past Tomasz Kuszczak before latching onto Kagisho Dikgacoi's pass and smashing into the roof of the net to break Albion hearts.

Zaha will join United in the summer after signing a deal with the 13-time Premier League champions in January, but will play once more for the Eagles in a showcase final against Watford for a place in the Premier League, a fitting end to a 10-year long career at Selhurst Park.

Wilfried Zaha
Zaha scored twice to take Palace to Wembley.

"I'm just glad, we are going to Wembley, no words can express how I feel," Zaha said.

"It means the world to me. I have played at Palace for 10 years, so doing this for Palace is perfect, for when I leave.

"I was happy I scored. I wanted to finish in a strong way, getting two goals in the game, it's just a dream really."

Sir Alex Ferguson secured a deal for Zaha for £12m in the winter transfer window, but the 20 year old will play for United under David Moyes from next season hoping to improve on his reputation as one of the most feared players in The Championship.

Zaha will lead the line for the England Under 21's at the European Championships in Israel before joining United and Palace boss Ian Holloway paid tribute to his prized winger, admitting he's gutted to see him leave at the end of the season.

"We've lost that boy but he got us to a Wembley final," Holloway said. "I believe Wilf will be a matchwinner at the top, top level but he wanted to keep playing well for us and you saw that.

"It was nice knowing everyone wrote us off and we beat a very good team today. We've come to the hardest place ever and passed a test of character. Did I doubt my lads? No. Did I doubt myself? No.'

"We are six undefeated and we came to this place and everyone said we wouldn't have a chance.

"How proud am I of them go. We go to Wembley to take on Watford and who says we can't do that - I'm bursting.

"They (Watford) are a fantastic team - but so are we."

Israel Manchester United FC