Crystal Palace youngster Lee Hills has thanked manager Neil Warnock for the faith he has shown in him and admits he is willing to play anywhere to get a place in the team.

The 17-year-old was deployed in an unaccustomed left-wing role against Bristol City on Monday night and bagged his first professional goal with a sublime volley just after the hour mark.

Having not even been close to the first team picture under previous manager Peter Taylor, Hills has been a revelation under Warnock and revealed he is thoroughly happy with life as a professional footballer.

He said: "I'm loving it. The gaffer's given me the chance and I'm grateful for that chance."

Hills was one of few plus points to come out of last week's game against Ipswich, with Warnock saying he was the only player certain to start against City, news which Hills says gave him a massive boost.

He said: "It really does give you a boost when the manager says something like that. I'm glad I scored a goal to repay that confidence he has put in me.

"I don't score many goals so to score one like that I enjoyed it. It was a rubbish celebration though but I was really happy I scored and it was a good strike as well. But I had no celebration planned as I don't ever score."

With Clint Hill's return to fitness, Hills looks set to continue in the left-wing role, a situation he is perfectly happy with.

He said: "I've never really played left-midfield, only a tiny bit when I was younger. I enjoyed it against Bristol City though, it gives me a bit more freedom to go forward and I enjoyed it. I just need to get used to it really.

"I just want to play for Crystal Palace so I will do a job anywhere. I never thought I would have this situation I am in now so I'm really happy."

Warnock praised the youngster after the match and said he had a feeling he might score.

He said: "I said to him before the game it would be nice to get his first goal and it's not going to get much better than that. It was a super strike and he deserved it as he's been doing well in training."