Experienced manager Roy Hodgson reckons that Eberechi Eze has made a bright start to his career at Crystal Palace and the winger's best years are ahead of him.

The England U21 international of Nigerian descent has forced his way into the Eagles starting lineup, with starts against Everton and Chelsea before the international break.

Brighton & Hove boss Graham Potter stated at his pre-match press conference before his side's visit to the English capital for match week five that Eze brings a new dimension to Crystal Palace.

Reacting to Potter's comments, Hodgson told reporters on Friday : "I've got a squad of players here, and my job is to pick what I think is the best team in that squad. I'm expecting every time I pick a team that whoever I've chosen goes out there and does what I believe him capable of doing.

"Eze is fortunate if you like that he's at the start of his career and it has gone very, very well for him in the beginning.

"We've signed him because we think it is going to continue to go well for him, and we believe in him as a player."

Though Eze has been eye-catching in his five matches for Palace in all competitions, he goes into Sunday's clash against the Seagulls still searching for his first goal.

Igho Kingsley