United goalscorer Robert Snodgrass has spoken of the agony and pain of his unexpected lay-off from first team action.

The Scotland international missed the games against Barnsley, Burnley, and Arsenal after being rushed to hospital for an appendix operation over Christmas - but he made a quick-fire return to action on Saturday when he stepped off the bench to secure a point at Crystal Palace just two weeks after undergoing surgery.

"When I came on it was good to get on the park instead of missing it," said Snoddy.

"I'd had a couple of weeks out and it was something that just came upon us, and it was something I had to deal with.

"We had a day off and I woke up in agony. I thought it was stomach cramps, I was in pain and was sick. I went to see the doctor, and I was straight in for an operation and 45 minutes later it was done.

"I had to lay off things for a week to 10 days. Things happen when you don't want them to happen. It was very disappointing with the timing.

"It happens, but I was delighted to be back on Saturday to help the lads get a massive point."

The Scot made a big impact when he stepped off the bench and it was fitting that he maintained his fine goalscoring run - seven goals in eight games - to secure a point at Selhurst Park.

"They sat back, had a man sent off, and we came into the game more on Saturday," said Robert.

"It was a case of us using the extra man and trying to get bodies in the box. Luckily I got on the end of one. I thought we could kick on and win the game, but in the end it wasn't meant to be.

"I firmly believed we would win - three points is the aim in every game.

"The manager said it would be one of the hardest grounds to go. Sometimes teams play better with 10 men, but I don't think that was the case on Saturday because we worked them and they couldn't get out of their half in the second half."

The win saw United lose ground in the table, but the Play-Off places remain within touching distance.

"We'll keep on fighting and pushing," added Robert.

"Our fans are top class, they roar every tackle. They believe in us and we have to believe in ourselves. We have to believe we can beat any side with the players we have."