Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson says Naouirou Ahamada and Matheus França are in his selection plans.

Hodgson insists the young pair are capable of making an impact this season.

He said: “Our squad is getting so much smaller and they play in the area where we are missing players. Both [Ahamada and França] have benefitted from time [here].

“They understand more what we are trying to do and their game is constantly improving. Now for them, when they get a chance, they have to really grasp that.

“França has had more chances than Ahamada in actual fact, but when they have come on in recent games they have been sharp, they have been lively and they have shown they understand what we are trying to do.

“There is no reason to suggest that they are not getting closer to the team."