Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson says Ruben Loftus-Cheek is good enough to play regularly in the Premier League.
The Eagles signed Loftus-Cheek on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer after barely featuring for the Premier League champions last term.
The England Under-21 midfielder has been hampered by niggling injuries since his arrival at Selhurst Park, but has impressed in his four appearances.
And after being ineligible to play against his parent club last weekend, Loftus-Cheek is in contention to face Newcastle on Saturday.
MORE: Crystal Palace man expects Newcastle boo boys to target him
Hodgson said: “He has been cleared to be part of training and it has been interesting watching him play.
“He has got a lot of ability and it is an important year for him. There is no doubt that he is a very talented footballer who could go far.
“He is a young man but not a youngster, and he is more than capable of playing as a regular in the Premier League.
“That is what he wants and we want the type of football he can bring, and we will hopefully give him the opportunity to do that.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here