DYLAN REID flew the nest moving from St Mirren to Crystal Palace — now he he aims to soar with the Eagles.
The midfielder has sky-high ambitions of reaching the top in football.
SNSThe young Saint had Scotland call-ups before London came calling.[/caption]
GettyReid can learn off on of the Premier League’s best ever midfielders – Palace boss Patrick Vieira.[/caption]
Reid said: “It’s obviously a big deal moving away but I feel I’m ready for it.
“I turn 18 next week and coming to London doesn’t faze me at all.
“I’ve moved into digs and I’m getting looked after well, so it’s all good.
“I’m able to focus on my football and working to become the best player I can possibly become, which is what it’s all about. The set-up is brilliant at Palace. The club is geared towards youth and bringing through their own players.
“That’s one of the things that made me want to come here. I just felt this was a club that would give me a chance to progress.
“Palace don’t seem to spend a lot of money on new players, when they have a good one coming through they push them into the team.
“That’s the incentive for me. The plan is for me to play for the Under-18s between now and the end of the season, before going in with the Under-21s from next summer.
“I trained with that squad when I first came down to see the place and get a feel for it.
“As soon as the session started I knew this is where I wanted to be.
“The standard was brilliant and the coaches involved everyone. I really feel I am going to develop and progress at Palace.
“They are big on individual development and that’s been great so far.
“I have had talks about nutrition and psychology and how I can improve in those areas off the park.
“The thing I’m craving more than anything is playing every week, sometimes twice a week. The more games the better as far as I’m concerned.”
Reid is an all-round midfielder so there’s no one better for him to learn from than Palace boss Patrick Vieira, if he can catch his eye.
He added: “I haven’t met him yet or even spoken to him. Hopefully I get that opportunity because that would be amazing to work with someone like that.
“I’ve heard all about how good he was as a player.”
Reid’s move to the Premier League came after constant speculation over his future.
He had trials with Benfica and Bayern Munich, and turned down a move to Celtic after they agreed a fee with Saints.
Reid said: “I spoke to Ange Postecoglou. We had a good chat and he explained what it would be like if I went to Celtic.
“He said it wouldn’t be easy and I would need to work hard.
“I knew that would be the case so that didn’t worry me. That’s what I want, to work hard and progress.
“At Celtic I’d have been in their B-team, playing in the Lowland League and I didn’t feel that would suit me.
“Working with someone like Ange was definitely a big pull. It seems every player he’s worked with is on the rise.
“I’ve also heard great things about how good a coach he is.
“I’m sure had I gone to Celtic I’d have taken my game to another level. I didn’t think playing in the Lowland League was the best thing for me now.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page