Crystal Palace: 18 y/o gem 'physically able to deal with men's football already'

Crystal Palace are ‘very excited’ about what the future holds for academy product Tayo Adaramola, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Adaramola has made close to 50 appearances for the Eagles at youth level, but he has broken into manager Patrick Vieira’s plans for the senior squad.

Having appeared as a late substitute in Palace’s FA Cup fourth round win over Hartlepool United, Adaramola took his development to the next level by making his first senior start as the Eagles booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition thanks to overcoming Stoke City earlier this month.

Adaramola, who has recovered from the setback of unsuccessful brief stints with Charlton Athletic and West Ham United, was handed the opportunity to shine having only been included in a Premier League matchday squad once.

The 18-year-old admitted it was ‘an amazing feeling’ to make his maiden senior start and claimed Jairo Riedewald, who went on to bag the winner against Stoke, took him ‘under his wing’ in a bid to settle the youngster’s nerves.

Vieira showered Adaramola with praise, suggesting the defender showed his potential and ‘there is a platform there to develop him’.

According to the Evening Standard, Palace turned down the opportunity to sign a number of left-backs during the January transfer window as they did not want to block Adaramola’s pathway into the senior set-up.

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Barclay understands those working behind-the-scenes at Selhurst Park feel Adaramola has a bright future ahead of him.

The journalist believes the academy product still has room for improvement but has already shown he is capable of performing for Palace’s senior side.

Barclay told