Former Crystal Palace striker Marcus Bent has backed the decision to appoint Patrick Vieira as the Eagles' new manager.

After a lengthy search for Roy Hodgson's successor, Vieira has moved into the Selhurst Park hotseat having been handed the reins on Sunday.

A host of big names were linked with the top job, with former Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre among those to turn down the position, before ex-Arsenal captain Vieira was appointed on a three-year deal.

It is Vieira's first managerial position since being sacked as Nice's boss after a two-and-a-half year stint in charge of the French club.

Vieira began his coaching career in charge of Major League Soccer franchise New York City FC in 2016, but it is the first time the ex-France international will be in a Premier League dugout.

Despite his lack of experience in comparison to previous Palace boss Hodgson, Bent believes Vieira will prove to be a success at Selhurst Park.

Bent exclusively told Football FanCast: "Personally, I thought they needed to go down the Vieira route.

"The manager had to be experienced to a certain extent but they needed a breath of fresh air. They needed some input of life."