Palace youngster Jonathan Williams has said he is nearing a first team return as he recovers from his injury setback.

The youth team graduate is already a fans favourite at Selhurst Park and made a bright start to the Premier League Season.

But the midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage whilst playing for Wales in September and has been on the treatment table ever since.

Williams said it has been a frustrating time on the sidelines and is itching to get back onto the pitch again.

He said: “Rehab has gone really so far. I have had no setbacks thankfully and the physios and the staff have been great.

“I am not in full training yet. I am back with Scott Guyett at the moment so that has been going well. I should be in full training towards the end of next week and then hopefully have a full week after that.

“I am not too far away now. Hopefully I will be fit for after the international break and ready to go. I need everything to go well though."

He added: “It has been tough not being involved. But I have been to more or less every game and if I can’t go I try and catch it on TV.

“The treatment room has been full of quite a few characters which has helped my rehab go a lot quicker.

“I have got the likes of Aaron Wilbraham, Jack Hunt, Paddy McCarthy, Damien Delaney and Danny Gabbidon all in there at various points which has made it a good laugh and helped me recover and stay positive."

The Wales international, who is affectionately known as 'Joniesta' by fans, also said he was sad to see Ian Holloway leave the club.

The 20-year-old said: “I had a really good relationship with him. I mean what a guy. He was a pleasure to work with, a great manager and a great guy.

“He couldn’t have done any more of us last year. He got us going, especially in the play offs and it was great to be part of it.

“His enthusiasm was infectious and it came across to the lads. It is a shame to see him go, I certainly was not expecting it.

“But we are getting a new manager in now so I am looking forward to that and seeing who it is."