JUST a year after an unknown academy product called Wilfried Zaha made his debut for Palace in August 2010, Jonny Williams announced his arrival on the scene by coming on as a second half substitute against Coventry City at Selhurst Park.
Two appearances later he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win in the League Cup against Premier League side Wigan Athletic in September 2011.
Fast-forward a year-and-a-half and we have seen Zaha make his England debut as a substitute against Sweden in November and secure a £15 million move to Manchester United in last month's transfer window.
And Williams says he and everyone at Palace are "proud" to have another success story through the club's famed academy.
"Wilfried's been a great role model for everyone at Palace, to come all the way through the youth system," he said.
"It's special for me to see his journey as well and be a part of that. It's great to see what he's achieved – a £15 million move to Manchester United.
"For an academy product it's great for him and the club. We're all proud of him, so hopefully he can keep doing what he's doing and hopefully we'll get promoted as well."
With a few Palace fans looking at Williams to fill Zaha's boots as their creative drive going forward, the youngster is quick to dismiss any expectations put upon him and insists he tries to play his own way.
"I'm not an exact replacement for Wilfried as we play in different positions, and we're different players," he said.
"I enjoy playing with him and when he's gone it will be a shame.
"It's also weird to think one day I'll be playing against him.
"But I don't really feel pressure, I just go out and play my game.
"The manager tells me to get on the ball and play, so that's what I try and do – I don't really try to think about it too much."
With Palace boss Ian Holloway renowned for his attacking brand of football, some will see that as beneficial to Williams progressing further, but it was former manager Dougie Freedman who gave him the opportunity to make a name for himself.
With Freedman moving on to Bolton Wanderers in October, what are they like to play for?
"They've got different styles of playing but I've enjoyed playing under both," Williams said.
"I was gutted to be injured when Ian Holloway came to the club in November, but he spoke to me and gave me great support.
"I was really excited to come back and play under him. I've enjoyed it so far and hoping to carry it on for the rest of the season."
