WILFRIED Zaha narrowly missed out on winning the Championship apprentice of the year at the Football League awards at the weekend but Dougie Freedman insists it is an achievement in itself to be nominated.

The Palace whizkid burst onto the scene by scoring on his full debut against Leicester on the opening day of the season and although the goals have dried up since, his pace and trickery have been a constant menace to opposition defences.

Freedman said: “He’s done very well to get nominated.

“A lot has come to Wilfried in a short space of time and he’s handled it well.”

And his club boss believes Eagles fans are still yet to see the full extent of the ability the youngster possesses.

The Scotsman explained: “He can improve massively, we’ve only seen maybe about a third of what Wilf’s got.

“He has got a long way to go in terms of maturing on and off the pitch, getting physically stronger and developing his football brain. He’s got tremendous skills and he has got a great potential.”

Zaha’s nomination is another testament to the strength of the Crystal Palace academy, which continues to produce talented and award-winning young players.

And the Palace boss knows just how important this production line is to the club.

“He just missed out to Connor Wickham which was unfortunate but we’ve had Nathaniel Clyne last year and Sean Scannell the year before so we’re doing not to bad with the young apprentices,” insisted Freedman.

“I know exactly how well Gary and his team are doing down there, they keep on producing them.

“I’m sure it is appreciated by the fans and it is certainly appreciated by me because hopefully within the next two years I will be giving a lot more debuts to youngsters coming through.”

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