Loftus-Cheek discusses Chelsea future, World Cup chances

Matt Stead

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will consider his future once Crystal Palace have secured their Premier League status.

The promising midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, has been one of their finest performers to the extent Palace hope to sign him on a permanent basis.

Their manager Roy Hodgson believes that in only two starts since his return from injury he has already rediscovered the form that earnt him his England debut, and hopes that by avoiding relegation they will be able to tempt Loftus-Cheek to commit to them.

Saturday’s 3-2 victory over rivals Brighton took Palace significantly closer to the first of those ambitions, and the 22-year-old said: “I really haven’t thought about what’s going to happen next season. I’ve still got a few games now.

“Big games coming up, so I’m focused with Palace. Whatever happens next season I’m not really looking at that right now. I’ll deal with that when it comes.

“The experience of being a Premier League player playing every week is just massive. The feeling of it, of getting three points, I’m just not used to it. Every game means something, the supporters are fantastic and since I’ve come to Palace I’ve learnt to fight as a team and for the three points.

“We still have a lot of fighting to do so I’m very grateful for Palace and for the season I’ve had.”

Asked if he was hoping to travel to the World Cup with England, he then responded: “Yes; fitness is a big thing. I’m starting to feel improvements now. The first 90 (minutes back) was the hardest so I’ll keep it going and try and get as fit as I can and as sharp as I can.”