PALACE'S new signing Luke Plange has admitted who his idols were growing up.

Plange signed for the Eagles on deadline day but will remain at Derby County until the end of the season on loan.

The 19-year-old has excelled since he was given his debut by manager Wayne Rooney, scoring three goals in eight Championship appearances.

Plange believes that he wants to be able to emulate some legendary strikers in his career.

Speaking about his own playstyle to CPFC he said: “I like to do it all.

Your Local Guardian: Crystal Palace forward Luke Plange looked up to Thierry Henry. credit CPFCCrystal Palace forward Luke Plange looked up to Thierry Henry. credit CPFC

“I like to run in-behind, I like to come to feet, I like to take on players. To shoot from outside the box, poach inside the box, on my left and my right.

“Ronaldo or Thierry Henry [were my idols]. They were just world-class. I’ve been watching them for a long time: clips or old games. They were really powerful, skilful and scored loads of goals as well.”

Having been coached by England's top goalscorer, Plange is in a good environment to improve his game before he arrives at Selhurst Park in the summer.

He said: “[Wayne Rooney] was a world-class striker for many years – for decades.

“The amount of goals he scored, you really can’t knock him because he was doing it for years and years and years.

“I’m taking tips and he’s helping me grow as a striker, and all the things he’s telling me I’m just trying to implement into my game and improve as a striker as well.”

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