Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira asked about long-term plan for Nathan Ferguson as ex-West Brom defender steps up return from injury

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira says Nathan Ferguson possesses all the attributes he wants from a defender.

But the French manager did not want to place any objectives on the 22-year-old as he continues to build his fitness back up from long-term injuries.

Ferguson has only played eight minutes of professional football – a short cameo in the 3-0 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur last season – for the Eagles since signing from West Brom in July 2020. 

It was reported that Palace paid £900,000, a fee decided by a tribunal, to the Baggies for the defender.

The former England U20 international played 11 minutes as a substitute in the 4-2 pre-season victory over Montpellier. However, due to injuries, Ferguson has been out of action since pre-season and is yet to feature in the first team this season.

Ferguson played 45 minutes for Paddy McCarthy’s U21 side against Manchester United and followed that up with a 63-minute appearance against Spurs this week.

In the broadcast section of his pre-Aston Villa press conference, Vieira confirmed that Ferguson’s next step is to complete 75 minutes.

“I don’t want to put an objective on him because he hasn’t played for the last two years,” said Vieira.

“It’s been injuries after injuries – big injuries. He has worked well, and the medical staff put a really good programme in place for him. 

“We are building up his fitness again – he is getting there. He will take as long as he takes. 

“But he is in a really good place at the moment. If he manages to be in the squad or play a little bit in games with the first team, it will be good.”

Ferguson is out of contract at the end of the season, but it was reported by The Athletic that Palace hold an option to extend his current deal.

Vieira added: “It’s important for us to build his strength for next year. 

“Nathan has all the attributes you want from a defender. He has got the pace, is powerful, and he can play the way we want to play the game as well.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him a little bit more and for him to be more around the first team. He has got some really good strengths that allow you to play in the Premier League.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD