Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s Chelsea future not top of his agenda

Crystal Palace midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has not yet made a decision about his long-term future.

The Chelsea man is on a season-long loan at Palace, but his campaign has been blighted by injury.

The 22-year-old though, who has made only 17 Premier League starts this season, started only his second Premier League game since an ankle problem over the weekend. He put in an impressive performance though in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Brighton and he is still hopeful of going to the World Cup with England.

But as far as his future is concerned, Loftus-Cheek, who has been used on the left side of midfield by Roy Hodgson, says he has yet to think about it.

“I really haven’t thought about what’s going to happen next season,” Loftus-Cheek said. “I’ve still got a few games now. I’m focused with Palace.

“Whatever happens next season, I’m not really looking at that right now. I’ll deal with that when it comes.”

Loftus-Cheek said he was relishing a more significant role with Palace after spending three years on the fringes of the Chelsea first team.

“The experience of being a Premier League player playing every week is just massive,” he added.

“The feeling of it, of getting three points, I’m just not used to it. Every game means something, the supporters are fantastic and since I’ve come to Palace I’ve learnt to fight as a team and for the three points.

“We still have a lot of fighting to do, so I’m very grateful for Palace and for the season I’ve had.”

Asked whether the World Cup in Russia was still his target, Loftus-Cheek, who has two caps, added: “Yes – fitness is a big thing.

“I’m starting to feel improvements now. The first 90 [minutes back from injury] was the hardest so I’ll keep it going and try and get as fit as I can and as sharp as I can.”