Hiram Boateng challenged to break into Palace's first team

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has challenged Ghanaian midfielder, Hiram Boateng, to break into the First Team of the English Premier League side.

Pardew included the Academy graduate in his pre-season squad on a tour of the USA.

Boateng, 20, is a midfielder and spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle where he made a total of 27 appearances.

Palace also wants Sullay Kaikai, an academy graduate who spent the first half of the season at Shrewsbury Town, to grab the opportunity.

"They have got a big step to make," said Pardew to the Croydon Advertiser.

"Doing well on loan in League One is all well and good, but getting into a Premier League team and in front of internationals, it will be very, very difficult for Sullay and Hiram.

"They are pushing hard, but it's a big hurdle for them to overcome. I don't think our fans should expect them to overcome it, but if they do, it will be a massive bonus for us.

"Both do have great talent, though, and I do think they will make the group at some stage. Whether it's the start of this campaign we'll have to wait and see."