Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is backing young defender Sam Woods for a bright future after his first professional start for the club this week.
The 20-year-old lifelong Palace fan was handed his first start for the Eagles on Tuesday night as Palace faced Colchester United in the Carabao Cup second round at Selhurst Park.
And although it ended in disappointment with Palace losing out on penalties against the League Two side, Hodgson has praised the young centre-back, who played the full game at right-back.
"Credit must go to Sam Woods, who was awarded a first professional start for Crystal Palace [against Colchester United]," the Palace boss wrote in his programme notes for the Premier League game against Aston Villa.
"Sam is a determined young man who is developing well by spending his time with the first team and he has equipped himself well when required. He must keep working hard, but I feel he has a bright future ahead of him."
Palace chairman Steve Parish also spoke of Woods in his programme notes, adding that he was pleased for the defender to make his full debut for the club, becoming the first player from the club's academy to do so since Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined Manchester United in a deal worth around £50million this summer.
Meanwhile, Hodgson has also praised Colchester for their efforts in the cup tie, having held Palace to a 0-0 draw, before scoring all five penalties to progress to the third round, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur.
"Of course, Tuesday's result was a disappointing one and it was one neither I nor the squad are hiding from," he said.
"Knowing how strong we can be, we are aware when we do not perform to our full capacity.
"However, I must applaud Colchester United and wish them well in the next round. Results do not always go the way you wish them to and so we must learn from Tuesday's game."
