Friday 30 October 2015 15:44, UK
Alan Pardew understands why Patrick Bamford might be frustrated at Crystal Palace but has assured the on-loan Chelsea forward he has a bright future.
Bamford has played just 49 minutes of Premier League football under Pardew this season, leading to suggestions Chelsea could recall him in January to find him a new club to gain experience.
His fortunes this season contrast hugely with his form of last term, when he scored 17 goals in 38 games on loan at Middlesbrough and was voted Championship Player of the Year.
Pardew says although the 22-year-old has work to do to make it at the top, he has been hugely impressed by the striker's work ethic and believes he will play for England one day.
Speaking ahead of the home clash with Manchester United, Pardew said: "I spoke to him when he first came to the club and said, 'You have to understand that although Middlesbrough is a high level, coming into the Premier League in this team is a higher level so you're going to have to work at it' - and he is working hard.
"I have to say I have been very very pleased with his attitude, his application and he has definitely physically got a little bit stronger through this process.
"Hopefully when he hits the ground at some point, whether it be for us or Chelsea or somebody else, he's going to feel the benefit of it. He is a possible England player at some stage but he has got some learning to do and like all young players, they sometimes have to add something to their game to get over that final hurdle.
"We're a good side, we've proved that. Our results in the last two or three have been not as we would want them, but the performance level has been there, except for the Man City game, so it's a tough team to get in to."
