Patrick Vieira says Will Hughes is nearing his Crystal Palace debut after impressing in training during recent weeks.
The £6million summer recruit is yet to get on the pitch for the Eagles so far this season, having been an unused substitute in seven Premier League matches following his move from Watford in late August.
Vieira previously said his lack of game time was down to Hughes not being up to Premier League level, having spent last season in the Championship before missing part of pre-season with the Hornets due to his delayed transfer.
A slight back injury then meant he was unavailable for the 2-0 wins over Manchester City and Wolves, though a hamstring injury to James McArthur - whose form in midfield had been another contributing factor to Hughes' lack of minutes - now means the 26-year-old is primed to make his Palace bow.
"He will have to get a chance," the Eagles boss told the media on Friday afternoon.
"We have a squad where we have players who have not had their chance yet, but at the same time, they have to be ready for it.
"We will get to a time where the team needs them and they will have to perform. Will is one of them. I'm really happy with what he is showing me in training and he is just waiting for his opportunity."
Vieira also provided an update on the injury sustained by McArthur, with the Scotsman currently being evaluated by the club's doctors weekly before he can return to first-team training.
Elsewhere, Eberechi Eze trained for the full week with the first team after making the bench for the trip to Burnley last Saturday, while full-back Nathan Ferguson also took part in some training ahead of his return from injury.
