Alan Pardew predicts big future for Patrick Bamford

Alan Pardew has predicted a big future for Patrick Bamford and says there are no hard feelings over the striker's departure.

Bamford has returned to Chelsea ahead of schedule after failing to start a single Premier League game for Palace, and the England U21 international was this week forced to clarify comments about his "terrible" loan spell.

The 22-year-old said his quotes on Monday had been taken out of context and thanked Pardew, and the matter is closed as far as the Palace boss is concerned.

He said: "Patrick made a slight error after the game. I think he was a little bit emotional. He has addressed that. I appreciate that. His comments on Wednesday were much nearer the mark. He has had every chance here.

"We have been getting fantastic results, so his chances have been limited. We kept on winning and you have to keep the balance of the side. It is as simple as that.

"Patrick has learned from that experience and I would like to think he will be a very good player for Chelsea and England going forward.

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"I like him. He's a prospect. His game time here was disappointing. I get that. Now he needs to find game time in the Premier League. Will he get that at Chelsea? I hope he becomes a top player because he has some really nice attributes as a person and if he becomes a great player, then great."

Bamford's exit leaves a gap in the Palace squad Pardew hopes to fill with a January signing.

"We've had an unbelievable year but you can't stand still in the Premier League." he said. "I'd like a striker in the window."

The immediate priority for Pardew is a Super Sunday home game against Chelsea, and Palace will be without the suspended Yohan Cabaye and injured forward players Yannick Bolasie, Connor Wickham, Dwight Gayle and Bakary Sako.

"With the bodies we have available I'm confident, but Chelsea looked more assured against Manchester United so they're favourites."