TONY PULIS says he will give young players a chance at Crystal Palace, with Sullay Kai Kai set to travel with the squad to Norwich City this weekend.
The Eagles boss confirmed at a press conference today (Thursday) that the 18-year-old striker, who scored a hat-trick in a behind closed doors friendly with Tottenham Hotspur, would travel with the squad to Carrow Road on Saturday.
Pulis did not say whether Kai Kai would feature within the matchday squad, but said he was willing to give young players a chance if they are good enough.
He said: "Palace have a fantastic reputation with the academy, but it doesn't mean that automatically you are going to play these players.
"They have to prove they are good enough when they play for the teams below the first team.
"We have one [Kai Kai] who scored a hat-trick against Tottenham this week and we will take him with us to Norwich."
Pulis pointed out that he has a history of giving youth a chance from his time at Stoke, adding that he gave players like Ryan Shotton, Marc Wilson and Andy Wilkinson their chance with the Potters.
And he said he will reward the young players at Palace too, if he feels they are worthy of a place in the team.
"I'm hoping and praying that we've got two or three gems in the group who will come and help us," he said.
Meanwhile, Pulis says he has enjoyed his first few days at the club, having taken training for the first time this week following the Eagles' 1-0 win at Hull City on Saturday.
He said: "There are certain things that we need to change and certain things we have to change.
"But I have really enjoyed the first few days and the attitude of the players has been first class.
"The lads did very well at Hull and there is a great spirit here.
"We have a tough game this week at Norwich and I have huge respect for Chris and what he has done there.
"Every game is tough in the Premier League and Saturday will be no different."
