Crystal Palace academy chief Gary Issott has welcomed Shaun Derry back to the club.

Derry has returned to help the transition from academy to the first team.

Issott told the club's website: “We always try and re-invest in former players and Shuan really feels strongly about the football club. It's great to have. I think supporters can connect with players from the club and I think it's great that the young players can see them as role models as well.

“What we've tried to do is get the blend across the Academy where you've got coaches- especially at the top end - that know the demands of professional football. It's a huge test to take that jump from Academy football into first-team football and I think you need as much experience around the players so they can share that. I do think it's really important that we've got people that know the requirements for the next level.

“The great thing is about coming back to the club and having people that you know is that they're going to come in and settle in straight away. There won't be that initial bedding-in period.

“It's an exciting time for the Academy at the minute. There's huge investment going into it. Our Under-16s are national champions and we've got a great crop in the Under-18 and Under-23 groups. It's all moving forward in the right direction and of course the success of Aaron and Wilf in the first-team will only incentivise the players that we've got."