Freddie Ladapo is loving his time in the USA on Crystal Palace's pre-season tour.

The 23-year-old forward, who was playing non-league football with Margate as recently as March, started against MLS club Philadelphia Union last week before adding some further game time against FC Cincinnati days later.

Ladapo admits it has been fantastic to be so heavily involved and feels his form this summer could go a long way to turning the head of manager Alan Pardew and his plans for the 2016/17 Premier League season.

"It's been a wonderful experience," he told the club's official website.

"I'd always hoped that I'd get an opportunity with the first-team here and I did and it's been very good. Six months ago I could never have imagined that I would be here, and not just being here but travelling, playing and being a proper part of it. I'm really grateful.

"The tour brings everyone together and creates a team spirit between us so it's helped me integrate well.

It's a huge step up but I'm working hard every day to get used to it and make it normal."

"Hopefully I can score some goals now during the rest of pre-season and do as well as I can up front because it is a difficult position to play, and hopefully create a little something in the gaffer's mind."