Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman: 'Hands off Wilfried Zaha'

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has insisted that he will only let Wilfried Zaha leave Selhurst Park when he feels the time is right.

Zaha impressed a growing list of admirers with a match-winning performance for Palace on Tuesday, as he scored a brace to guide the Eagles to a 2-1 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Freedman told Sky Sports News that Zaha can continue to develop his talent if he is nurtured properly.

He said: "Wilfried can play at the top level if he continues going with his movement, he's got wonderful technique and ability. His all-round game is coming together.

"I've known that kid since 14 years of age, so it's a relationship which goes a little bit further than contracts.

"When he's ready and when I think he's ready to let him go to the right club, I will tap Wilfried on the shoulder and tell him I can't help him any longer. It's a little bit different with my kids, the relationship has been there a long time."

The 19-year-old England youth international signed a new five-year contract with Palace in December.