Ten is Townsend’s magic number

Andros Townsend returns to White Hart Lane tomorrow to face former employers Tottenham Hotspur with Crystal Palace.

But travelling Eagles fans could be forgiven for failing to immediately spot the 25-year-old, after the winger chose to ditch squad number 17 he wore against West Bromwich Albion last week to become the club’s number 10.

With Townsend the club’s most notable summer signing to date – though it appears he will soon by joined at Selhurst Park by powerful striker Christian Benteke – several Palace fans may well have had his name and number printed on their new replica shirts.

Townsend admitted he was desperate to take on the iconic number, but will compensate those whose brand new shirts have immediately become outdated.

(Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

“The number 10 is one of the most iconic numbers in the game and with it becoming available I wanted to take the opportunity to snap it up,” said the England international.

“Hopefully I can do the number justice.

“Of course I’ve seen that a few people have bought the shirt and it would be wrong for me to leave them out of pocket.

“So if anyone who has happened to buy the shirt with the number 17 – I’m hugely grateful – and if they want to send it in then I’ll be happy to pay for them to swap it for the new number.”