September 22 2011

Darren Ambrose

Darren Ambrose has tipped the latest batch of Crystal Palace youngsters to be major stars of the future.

Academy products Sean Scannell, Jon Williams and Wilfried Zaha plus Stuart O'Keefe have played key roles in Palace's impressive league and Carling Cup campaigns.

Premier League Wigan and Championship high flyers Middlesbrough have been brushed aside in the cup, while the Eagles are within touching distance of the division's pace-setters.

With the current haul of youngsters stealing all the headlines, old hand Ambrose believes Dougie Freedman's side can thrive this season.

"The young lads that have come into the squad have been like a breath of fresh air," he said. "You have the likes of Sean Scannell, Jonny Williams and Wilfried Zaha. The future is bright for Crystal Palace and I am glad to be part of it.

"I never thought I would be considered one of the older players but it has come to it now and I'm still only 27 myself. I'm relishing the responsibility and this could be an exciting season for the club. I don't look back in the game and I'm really pleased with the way things are going."

Ambrose has been working with Williams and Zaha in training where the former Newcastle and Charlton has been offering support.

"You don't know what Zaha is going to do when he gets the ball," he added. "His feet are very quick and you know that if you make the runs into the box he'll find you with the cut-backs.

"Both of them are good players and they don't really need me telling them what to do but as a senior player you have to offer advice when you think you have something to offer.

"They are good lads and they take your advice and you see them going out in training trying to put into practice what you've told them."