Pardew: Bamford had 'every chance' at Palace

Posted Sunday, January 03, 2016 by foxsportsasia.com

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says that Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford was given a fair chance while on loan at Selhurst Park.

The Blues youngster impressed during his time in the Championship with Middlesbrough last season, but has featured less regularly since joining the Eagles at the beginning of the current campaign, failing to score in his six league appearances.

The 22-year-old recently returned to Stamford Bridge after calling his time at Palace "terrible", but has since apologised for his comments, while Pardew has offered encouragement to the youngster.

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

"He knows this is a little bit of a step up from the Championship where he played for Middlesbrough last season, but there is nothing to suggest he can't make that step up."

Now back at his parent club, Bamford will add an interesting subplot to Chelsea's next game against none other than Crystal Palace, whom they face at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

The Eagles recorded a 2-1 victory over the reigning champions when they met at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign, but Pardew is wary of Guus Hiddink's troops.

"Chelsea looked a bit more stable and assured against Manchester United, so they are favourites for this game," he added. "Having said that, we are difficult to play at home at the moment."