Crystal Palace striker Patrick Bamford says his time on-loan in the Football League "toughened" him up.

Bamford joined Palace on-loan from Chelsea this season.

"It toughens you up compared to Under 21 and youth football," he told the Daily Mail. "It's a lot different, a lot more physical and the tempo is quicker. Those spells on loan stand me in good stead.

"He (Alan Pardew) told me I wouldn't be starting every game at Palace but that I'd get a fair crack of the whip.

"It's down to me. I believe in myself and believe when I do get a chance I'll be able to keep my place in the team."