Neil Warnock has given hope to Ryan Smith that he could still earn a longer contract at Crystal Palace, despite leaving him out of the squad for the last three games.

The 22 year-old winger signed an extended deal until January earlier this month but has not been able to force his way into the first team picture.

Regulars Nick Carle and Sean Scannell were also left out of the 18 chosen to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday, something Warnock puts down to his strength in depth.

"I love having a squad to pick from," he said.

"Ryan is doing well at the minute but he cannot get ahead of Victor Moses."