Crystal Palace boss Pardew: Of course Bamford Premier League class

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew insists Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford is Premier League class.

Bamford, 22, has returned to Chelsea after unexpectedly announcing his loan spell at Crystal Palace was over after Monday's draw with Swansea.

"Do I think he can be a Premier League player? Of course I do,' said Palace boss Pardew. "I wouldn't have taken him otherwise.

"You have to understand that to jump into the Premier League in a team that's doing well....it's not like we've struggled this year. We've done very, very well.

"He's just not hardened yet. He needs to harden as a professional. This experience will harden him.

"He's trained well and tried to get in to the team, that's hardening your mentality."