Crystal Palace attacker Andros Townsend wants to become a striker.

He has typically played as a winger for most of his career.

But he believes that he can become a very effective striker, in the mould of Jamie Vardy at Leicester City.

He has played there in the absence of Christian Benteke this season.

"The last time I played there I was about nine years of age in kids' football," says Townsend to the Evening Standard.

"I had always been a player who needed to see white lines, but I am actually really enjoying playing up front. I did not think I would be saying that a few years ago. Hopefully I can continue playing there as long as possible. I know if I want to stay there, I want to be contributing with more goals.

"You have to do the running in behind. That has probably been the one criticism from former managers. Yes, I am good on the ball and like to take people on but can I run in behind? Can I work back? Can I be disciplined to pick up the opposition's holding midfielder? I have learned the other side of the game.I have improved and hopefully I can keep improving the more I play there.

"Jamie Vardy is the one I try to watch clips on to see what he does. He plays in a similar role where he is asked to make runs in behind, dart out wide and be busy around the pitch. If what I want to be is a striker who is quick and makes runs in behind, he is the prime example."