Why I'm Hir

The Crystal Palace teenager has been enticed to Home Park on a half-season loan by new Pilgrims’ gaffer Derek Adams’ vision.

“I’ve been attracted by the manager – he said he likes my style of play and wants me here to help get promoted; hopefully, I can do that and hit the ground running,” said the 19-year-old central midfielder.

The admiration is mutual, with Derek having said that Hiram adds some extra elements to the Pilgrims’ midfield blend, components which the Londoner identifies as: “That attitude where I will give it my all on the pitch and will do what it takes to get the win; my passing ability; and I just fight to the end.”

Hiram, who made his Palace first-team debut a week after his 17th birthday, was in and around the Eagles’ Premier League squad for most of last season without seeing any senior game-time.

“It was hard, being on the bench and being that close to it,” he said. “I feel that [this move] is going to give me the opportunity to get a step closer.

“I have been at Palace since I was nine but I still feel I have a lot to learn in the game. Being here is going to help me do that. I feel that I can show my worth.

“It’s a case of getting experience.  I think that is going to help me in the long run – showing I can do it at this level. It will give me more of a chance when I do go back to Palace eventually.”