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Crystal Palace youngster Sam Woods has been speaking about his first team chances – could the Eagles already have their James Tomkins replacement at the club?
Mamadou Sakho could miss the rest of the season through injury, and it may just offer the perfect chance for Woods to prove his worth.
Roy Hodgson of course has veteran Scott Dann to call on in Sakho’s absence, but Woods has been speaking about his hopes of a proper run in the first XI.
What has he said?
“That’s not my decision, so I can’t say If I can play or not,” Woods told Football.London.
“I’m just going to be trying my best everyday and see where that takes me.
“I think to try my best everyday in training, in games and just see what happens. If I can keep getting on the bench for the first-team that’s good and maybe come on.
“We just have to wait and see.
Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…
“It’s different (training with the first-team) it’s a lot more intense and demanding, but you have to learn quick.
“I feel like I’m adapting everyday and definitely becoming a better player training with them.”
Following Wan-Bissaka
Woods went on to explain the benefits of training with the first team and praised the likes of Dann and Tomkins for their guidance, so he clearly has his head screwed on straight.
And the youngster has actually already featured for the senior side, amassing 11 minutes in an EFL cup clash against Middlesbrough.
With Tomkins set to turn 30 on Friday, Woods’ presence in the first team could become more and more prevalent over the next 18 months or so.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has already cleared the path for youngsters to grab their chances under Roy Hodgson, and Woods’ excellent attitude should ensure he is best-placed to follow in the right-back’s footsteps.
Players age at different rates of course, but if Tomkins’ form falls off at any point in the near future, could the 20 year-old be a long-term partner for Sakho? Palace fans, let us know your thoughts in the comments below…