Crystal Palace youngster Sam Woods has spoken out about his chances of making an appearance in the Premier League before the season is out.
The 20-year-old made his first-team debut as a substitute in a Carabao Cup fourth round tie away at Championship outfit Middlesbrough back in October and has since been on the cusp of a breakthrough.
He was named on the bench in the FA Cup quarter-final loss against Watford 11 days ago, which is the sixth time he's made a matchday squad under Roy Hodgson this season.
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It was back to developmental action for Woods on Monday afternoon as he impressed for Richard Shaw's side in their 3-0 win over Sheffield United U23's at Selhurst Park.
But could the defender soon be following in the footsteps of last season's academy graduate Aaron Wan-Bissaka by making the step up from U23's to the senior squad?
Mamadou Sakho's injury has left Hodgson short of options at centre-back and there's rumours that he could miss the rest of the season and Woods is hopeful of getting a chance if that turns out to be the case.
"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.
"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."
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Woods also revealed which players have helped him the most when training with the first-team.
"Loads of players really, but I would probably say the people in my position," he added. "So Scott Dann, Martin Kelly, Tonks [James Tomkins] they've all given me guidance and how to deal with certain strikers and stuff like that.
"They give you little tips that's invauable."
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