Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has been backed as the man to control Ishmel Demontagnac after taking the striker on trial.

The 20-year-old was sacked by Walsall this week after being arrested on Sunday, which was the final straw for Saddlers manager Jimmy Mullen after what he called “three years of indiscipline.”

Demontagnac spent his first day at Selhurst Park yesterday, leading Eagles assistant manager Mick Jones to believe Warnock can harness his potential – and keep a firm leash on his temper.

Former Telford boss Jones said: “We are very aware of his past and history. He comes with a lot of baggage but with our manager he will not last two minutes if he steps out of line. He has been made aware of that.

“Neil has had a word with him and there are no second chances, he has one chance. At the first sign of any trouble Neil will get the staff together and tell them to get him out of the club. There is only one person who can blow it now.”

“I had to convince Neil to bring him in. An agent called him and he wasn’t interested. The agent then called me and Neil said it was up to me.

“Neil will be unsure until he proves he has got the dedication and application to be a professional footballer. If he shows that, then he has a chance.”

Demontagnac is unlikely to receive any sympathy from the Eagles management about his departure from the Saddlers.

Jones said: “I know Jimmy very well, I know Richard Money and Mick Halsall very well and these people are no mugs. If Walsall kicked him out it is not their fault. Ishmel is to blame for it all.

“It is an opportunity for the kid to put everything behind him.”

Warnock’s record of nuturing young players at Palace is impressive. Jones has warned Demontagnac they will not tolerate him upsetting the balance at the Championship outfit.

The No 2 said: “He has got to be cleaner than clean,. We have had seven under 17s play first team football this season, which is a remarkable record, and we will do nothing to distablise things for any players.

“South East London is a tough place and we do our best to keep them away from problems.”