Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has insisted that Jonathan Williams remains an integral part of his long-term plans, despite allowing him to leave on loan.

The Welsh international midfielder, who has failed to make a Premier League start for the Eagles this season, has joined Ipswich Town on a one-month deal.

However, Pulis has stressed that the 20-year-old's exit is necessary to help him regain match fitness following recent injury troubles and is not an indication that he is unwanted at Selhurst Park.

"When I first came in Jonny had an injury," he told reporters. "He looked a bit rusty and in need of games. To be fair to him, he's trained a lot better during the last couple of weeks, and we needed to get him out to get some games.

"It had to be a club and a manager that we were happy with and Ipswich fit the criteria on both counts. It's a fantastic football club that has fantastic facilities and great support, and Mick McCarthy is a very good manager who will look after him.

"Johnny needs to play games. Whether we extend his loan we will decide in a month's time. Does he have a future at the club? He has a massive future at this football club."

Williams has made 64 appearances for Palace, scoring once, since debuting in 2011.