Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish say that Jonny Williams’ loan move to Ipswich will do wonders for his development.

The 20-year-old – capped four times by Wales at senior level – has initially signed on a month’s loan and is set to make his debut for Town against Birmingham at Portman Road on Saturday.

Parish told the South London Press: “Jonny is only going for a month initially because he is very close to our first-team. He just needs to get a bit more sharpness and play games.

“If you look at people like Wilfried Zaha and Tom Ince they have played 100 games in the Championship. Jonny has had a very stop-start last couple of years and just needs to get some games. He played very well for our U21s on Monday (scoring in a 2-1 win at Portman Road). He just needs to go out and play week-in and week-out.

“He might help get them promoted. He just needs some games. We didn’t want to let him go until the end of the season because we don’t know what our situation is going to be.”

Kent-born Williams came through Palace’s academy and made his debut aged 17 and quickly becoming a fans’ favourite at Selhurst Park due to his low centre of gravity, close control and eye for a pass. Indeed, the 5ft 6in midfielder was soon dubbed ‘Jon-iesta’ in a nod to Barcelona and Spain superstar Andreas Iniesta.

It’s only been injuries which have prevented the youngster from blossoming since then, a broken leg towards the end of the 2011/12 season and ankle ligament damage at the start of this campaign – both suffered while away on international duty – stunting his progress.

Charlton Athletic were keen on taking the hot prospect on loan but it’s understood that Tony Pulis – friends with Town boss Mick Mccarthy – wanted his player to work under a manager that he had a close-working relationship with.