The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Banks determined to learn from Palace stars
Crystal Palace fans have yet to see Scott Banks in their club’s red and blue colours.
But the former Dundee United youth product has given Eagles supporters a teaser of the type of attacker he hopes to become at Selhurst Park – describing a playing style that combines Wilfried Zaha and Max Meyer.
Banks was a bright star emerging at Tannadice when he was lured to the English Premier League in the middle of last season.
The 18-year-old had made a handful of appearances for the United first team before Palace made their move.
He was quickly sent back to Scotland on loan with Alloa, where he played four times before the last campaign was curtailed.
And now Banks is hoping to make his mark with his parent club and he certainly isn’t lacking role models for his position.
“I’m a wide player, so I admire players like Zaha and even Max Meyer is close to what I’m like,” the teenager told the Crystal Palace website.
“Meyer may not have the pace of Zaha – who does – but his close control and passing ability is great.
“Ultimately, I always think you’ve got to take a bit from everyone’s game. You can learn from everyone no matter what the position.
“I’m just trying to be normal around these guys – guys that I’ve been watching as I grow up.
“Being an 18-year-old kid from Scotland, you never think you’ll be sitting in the canteen with Patrick van Aanholt. It’s surreal!
“Everyone has been amazing. James Mcarthur has taken me under his wing a bit, being a fellow Scottish boy. James Mccarthy has been great, too.”
Banks has adapted well to the culture shock of moving to London and living on his own for the first time.
He added: “It’s strange for me to say but I’m not missing home as much as I thought.
“The club helped arrange accommodation, so I’m in a flat in Bromley, just 15 minutes from the training ground, and I’m enjoying staying by myself.
“My mum is obviously missing me but they all understand what a huge opportunity it is for me.”