Hughes happy to act as mentor to Palace's young players

Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes says he's happy to act as a mentor to the club's young players.

Hughes is willing to take on the responsibility of such a leadership role.

He said in today's match programme: "Like I have said before, it is sink or swim.

"That has moulded me into the person I am today. It has helped improve me massively from a mental point of view

"It was an old-school mentality, but I'm so glad I came through in that situation. They have got to integrate themselves, but of course you want to help them and if they ever want to have a word with you then I will always be there for them.

But you have also got to tell them how it is. I think football nowadays is a bit soft in a sense with younger players, but the lads we have got here have been brilliant. They take criticism on the chin, they want to learn and their attitude and quality has been top."