IAN Holloway has compared Crystal Palace midfield ace Jonny Williams to Manchester City star David Silva.

The 19-year-old Welshman has been making a big impact from the bench for the Eagles recently and his eye-catching display in Friday’s 2-2 draw at Watford, where he inspired the visitors to overcome a two-goal half-time deficit, means a start against Boro this weekend is almost certain.

Eagles chief Holloway replied when asked if that was the case: “The obvious answer is yes.

“I think he has been knocking on the door for the last couple of weeks.

“He would have been fit for selection at the start of Friday’s game at Watford if he hadn’t have played a few days previous the full 90 minutes for Wales U21s.

“He did so well (for us) when Chris Coleman watched him, I thought he was going to be called up into the main team.

“He wouldn’t have played the 90 minutes, he might have had 20 for them and then I could have started him at Watford.

“If anyone has ever made a case to ‘please start me gaffer’, it can’t be a stronger case than Jonny has made in the last two performances.

“Coupled with the people who else I’ve put on with him, it helped us dominate possession and that is what I believe Jonny is all about.

“He is my little David Silva and he is looking as good as him - and that is no mean statement.”

Another key player pushing for a start against Middlesbrough is captain Mile Jedinak following his recent facial injury sustained in the 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield.

Holloway added: “He is waiting for his last fully fitted mask.

“He has worn one today that looked like a giant owl.

“It was white, hopefully it is not that colour because it stuck out like a sore thumb!

“His face feels fine. He has got a metal plate in there which will constantly set off every airport terminal bleeper now for the rest of his life.

“That plate will be in there for the rest of his life and with the seriousness of it we are all very thankful he is going to be able to play, particularly as quickly as this weekend.

“He is someone I’m considering.

“I’ve watched him today, there was nothing wrong with him whatsoever and there is no risk to him, so he is a big consideration for putting him back in my team.”

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