Eagles fans will descend on Leipzig tonight dreaming of a first European trophy when Oliver Glasner’s side tackle Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena.

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Victory would be the perfect send-off for Glasner, who led the South London outfit to FA Cup glory last term before winning the Community Shield in this season’s curtain-raiser at Wembley.

And while Palace face an uncertain future with the 51-year-old Austrian heading for the exit, former boss Hodgson is relishing a night to remember in Germany.

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I think the fans and everyone at the club should cherish it, because it’s an achievement for a start — and it’s one that’s difficult to match.

“It’s not a given to reach any final. It takes a lot of work but also you need a lot of things to go your way as you move towards one.

“Then, of course, you really hope that in the final — as we saw with Aston Villa [in the Europa League] — things are going to click perfectly and you’re going to be playing at your very best and maybe meeting an opponent that can’t deal with you.

“Good luck to everyone on Wednesday. I shall be keeping my fingers crossed that any luck will go Palace’s way.”

Having enjoyed two spells in charge of the Eagles, Hodgson is well placed to know exactly what this season’s European adventure has meant to the club’s dedicated supporters.

While Glasner’s men finished a lowly 15th in the Premier League, Los Franjirrojos narrowly missed out on securing European qualification in La Liga.

After finishing the league campaign unbeaten in their last seven games, the momentum is seemingly with Inigo Perez’s side.

But Hodgson, 78, believes the Eagles have what it takes to emerge victorious.

He added: “I think they are a strong enough team and are probably, if anything, going into this final as favourites.

“It’s good, because it proves that everyone believes — as I’m sure the team itself believes — that we’re going to do this and be the better team on the night.

“Fingers crossed for that and I hope it’s a good trip for everybody. I know the Palace fans will do their bit.

“They’ll be delighted to be there, so the support will be fantastic.

“And I hope, soon, I should be sending a few congratulatory messages to people on their recently acquired European title.”

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