November 26 2003

Ben Watson

Palace's out-standing midfield prospect Ben Watson wants to stay at the club, but could leave this summer when his contract expires, by Joseph O'Shea.

The 18-year-old central midfielder has quickly become a favourite with Palace fans since breaking into the first team under Trevor Francis last season.

He scored his first goal for the club against Millwall at the New Den in August, but was not selected in the starting line-up again until care-taker manager Kit Symons picked him against Preston and Walsall.

Watson told the Guardian: "It was nice to be back in the side under Kit and hopefully I have done enough to keep my place.

"It was a surprise not to be selected by Steve Kember because the first three or four games up until Millwall I thought I was doing well and the team was doing well, but then it all changed. I don’t know why, but I found it hard getting back in.

"The manager didn’t say anything. There was talk of me and Steve having a bust-up but there was nothing like that."

The Camberwell youngster’s first professional contract expires in July and although the club has offered him a new deal, it remains unsigned because the terms on offer are believed to be below what he or his advisors expect for a first team regular.

Watson said: "I would like to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace, but at the moment it is still being negotiated.

"I don’t think my contract was an issue with me not playing. He (Kember) was sticking with Shaun and Hughesy which is fair enough."

But unless either side budges, Palace fans face the prospect of losing one of their most promising players, and even a repeat of the Julian Gray transfer fiasco, because of FA rules governing out-of-contract players Under 24.

Watson is adamant he wants to stay at Palace however, and is concentrating on helping them up the table.

He said: "I believe we are too good to be down where we are and if we keep working hard we can climb the table. Hopefully after Christmas we will go a run and get a top half or maybe even a play-off spot."

If his progress continues at the same rate, then the chance to join his club mates Wayne Routledge and Gary Borrowdale representing England at Under 19 level could be round the corner.

He added: "I would like to represent my country at any level, so hopefully if I keep playing well for Palace I will get a call up for the Under 19s or 20s and see where that takes me."