Roy Hodgson slammed his Crystal Palace flops after they were trashed 4-1 by Bristol City in the Carabao Cup.

The cup competition was a shining light in the Eagles’ abysmal start to the season with wins over Ipswich and Huddersfield.

Hodgson made 10 changes to his side at Ashton Gate, hoping fringe players would impress.

However, Premier League basement boys Palace were outclassed by the in-form Championship side.

Eagles chief Hodgson said: “I took a risk - I take responsibility for that.

"We've had a couple of tough Premier League games and played quite well in both of them.

“I was anxious we rested those players, and I was also very anxious to see some players because a lot of those players out there I've not had any chance to watch in so-called first-team action.

“It was an opportunity for them to knock on the door of the first team and threaten the places of the team I have played in the last two games.

“So I am bitterly disappointed that didn't work out because there were very few performances that made me think I was picking the wrong team.”

More than 2,000 Palace fans made the trip west, and Hodgson added: “I am very disappointed for the fans who came all this way, and I am disappointed by the way at the end we capitulated after at least for the first 45 minutes having had arguably the better of the game.

“We contrived to give away goals at important times, and in the end, we are on the back of a heavy defeat.”