Dowie wants winger to stay

Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie is waiting for contract talks with teenage winger Wayne Routledge.

The talented 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and Dowie is determined to keep Routledge at Selhurst Park.

Routledge has appeared in every game for Palace in The Premiership this season and is regarded highly by his manager.

Dowie expects an offer of a new deal to be made to the starlet shortly and he is anxious for Routledge to commit his future to the club.

The Palace chief is optimistic Routledge will sign a new deal as he feels it will be beneficial for the wide man to stay in South London.

"We hope his decision comes soon and he will be on board," Dowie told Sky Sports News.

"I have always said that I want him to be part of the club's future and he needs to develop here.

"I desperately want him to stay and he knows how much I think of him.

"We will have to see what his own thoughts are in the weeks ahead. I've got to sit down with him and the two of us will talk about a contract and that will be thoughtful and quiet.

"There will be an offer made to Wayne for sure."