Crystal Palace boss Hodgson says Ahamada and França in his selection plans

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson says Naouirou Ahamada and Matheus Frana are in his selection plans.

Hodgson insists the young pair are capable of making an impact this season.

He said: Our squad is getting so much smaller and they play in the area where we are missing players. Both [Ahamada and Frana] have benefitted from time [here].

They understand more what we are trying to do and their game is constantly improving. Now for them, when they get a chance, they have to really grasp that.

Frana has had more chances than Ahamada in actual fact, but when they have come on in recent games they have been sharp, they have been lively and they have shown they understand what we are trying to do.

There is no reason to suggest that they are not getting closer to the team."