Manager admits Chelsea could have another striker from January after worrying start

Patrick Bamford has made just two appearances for Crystal Palace

ALAN PARDEW admits Patrick Bamford’s Crystal Palace loan spell could be terminated in January.

 

The England under-21 international joined Palace on a season-long deal from Chelsea before the start of the season.

The move seen as the ideal opportunity for the 22-year-old to boost his top-flight experience after spending the last two season on loan at Middlesbrough, Derby and MK Dons.

But Bamford has so far made just two, brief substitute appearances in the league so far.

 

Bamford has struggled even with injuries

And Palace manager Pardew acknowledges the situation will be reviewed if the forward is unable to force himself up the pecking order.

And Pardew said: “It's unfortunate for Patrick because he's working hard, but it is an obvious situation. If he doesn't play any real time between now and January, we'll have to look at it for sure.

“He's had a lot of competition and he's trying to understand the way we play, but if he gets the chance I'm sure he wants to take it.”

Bamford has been overlooked despite the departure of Glenn Murray and an injury to Connor Wickham.

The manager has opted to use Dwight Gayle, Yanick Bolasie and Bakary Sako in the central striker role and Pardew added: “He's fighting for his right to get into the team.”