Alan Pardew: 'Connor Wickham is still a work in progress'

Crystal Palace coach Alan Pardew has admitted that striker Connor Wickham is still a "work in progress" following his move to the London club.

Palace brought in 22-year-old Wickham from Sunderland over the summer, and Pardew has also suggested that his young frontman could learn from Everton's Romelu Lukaku when the sides square up on Monday night.

"Connor needs to add a lot to his game to be as good as Lukaku," said Pardew, according to The Mirror.

"Lukaku is now the full No 9. If you look at the iconic No 9's over the last 10 years, you look at Drogba. Lukaku could emulate him.

"Connor is a work in progress. He needs to add goals to his game but he hasn't had too many opportunities. This year was a big year for him to get his feet under the table and if he really is going to become what I hope he will become, then next year could be the one."

Wickham is yet to find the net in the league for Palace this term.