Tom Ince Still Dreams of Playing Alongside Steven Gerrard Despite Liverpool Snub

Crystal Palace winger Tom Ince would still relish the opportunity to one day play alongside Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard despite turning down a January approach from the Reds.

The 22-year-old joined the Eagles on loan until the end of the season after following his father Paul out of Blackpool after he was sacked as first team manager.

The England Under-21 international received offers from a number of clubs including the likes of Swansea, Hull City and Sunderland in early 2014 before eventually opting for a move to Selhurst Park.

Ince Snr, who aided his son in negotiations over his January move, later revealed Brendan Rodgers' side were also interested in re-signing the player who they sold to Blackpool in 2011. But the former MK Dons and Blackburn manager indicated he didn't think a move to a side challenging for a Champions League spot was the right option for his son, although he did suggest it could happen "in two or three years."

And it would appear the Crystal Palace loanee would be open to a move to Anfield at some point in the future should the chance present itself. In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine when asked which player he would most like to play alongside, Ince said: "Presently, Steven Gerrard. I was lucky to train with him a couple of times when I was at Liverpool. The aura he has about him is just fantastic. As a wide player you like to have someone in midfield who can pick passes out. He's done that for many years and he's still doing it now."

Ince could make his Crystal Palace debut on Sunday for the visit of West Brom, along with fellow deadline day arrivals Scott Dann and Joe Ledley, and is hoping to have the same scintillating impact Wilfried Zaha had on the club in their promotion season.

"I've had a lot of thanks and best wishes from the fans and I want to put my faith back into them as they have shown for me," Ince said.

"The players, staff and the whole club have made me really welcome at the club.

"I spoke to Kevin Phillips and I've known a few of the Palace players having played against them in the Championship. I know Wilf has been a huge success here. I just want to put in the performances on the pitch and excite the fans.

"For me to come to Palace and play in the Premier League is fantastic, even if it's only for a four month loan period. I want to try and work hard and get into the team because there is a great bunch of lads with huge talent. I will have to work hard to get into the team."