Alan Pardew acknowledges that Patrick Bamford is a much better player than his performance showed on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old striker, who is on season-long loan from Chelsea, made his first start for the Eagles in their Capital One Cup win over Shrewsbury Town at Selhurst Park.

Bamford played 74 minutes alongside Dwight Gayle before being replaced by Glenn Murray in the eventual 4-1 extra-time triumph and Pardew suggests his showing left a little to be desired after starring while on loan at Middlesbrough last season.

"I don't think he had his best night, Patrick, but he's a good player," said the Palace boss.

"He's finding that the level is a little bit higher here than it was at Middlesbrough and when you're not playing week in week out as he was at Middlesbrough it's hard.

"I felt a little bit sorry for him tonight because he wasn't at his best, but he's a good player."