ROY Hodgson has joked that he has not forgiven Danny Ings for turning down Crystal Palace before signing for Saints 16 months ago.

The 27 year-old was also wanted by Palace in August 2018 but the former Liverpool forward signed for Saints – initially on loan – before his move was made permanent last summer.

Hodgson said: “I don’t know if I can really forgive him for not signing for us and then going to Southampton instead. I’ve still got a bee in my bonnet about that one.

“I really admire Danny Ings as a player. He is what you would call a natural goalscorer. His movement in and around the penalty area is very good, when a chance comes his way he has the technique to take the chance.

“He was part of my England squad and was unlucky to have picked up a very nasty injury soon afterwards.”

Palace arrive at St Mary's tomorrow in eighth place, despite only scoring 17 goals in 19 games, while Ings has netted 11 Premier League goals for his hometown club this season.