--- title: "Crystal Palace Youth Watch: Cardines & Mustapha Feature as Goodman Prepares for Derby" canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/08/17/crystal-palace-youth-watch-cardines-mustapha-feature-as-goodman-prepares-for-derby/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Naz Yusuf" section: "Articles" published: "2026-08-17T21:14:30Z" modified: "2026-08-17T21:14:31Z" --- # Crystal Palace Youth Watch: Cardines & Mustapha Feature as Goodman Prepares for Derby **It has been a busy period for Crystal Palace’s development pathway, with the club continuing its strategy of finding competitive senior minutes for its high-potential youth prospects.** Following the confirmation of their temporary departures early last week, [academy products Rio Cardines](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cvg8lqyj84wo) and Hindolo Mustapha were thrown straight into first-team action over the weekend, while goalkeeper Owen Goodman has already established himself as a focal point in Scotland. Here is the latest situation surrounding Palace’s loaned trio as they embark on their respective campaigns. ### Rio Cardines: Trial at Ashton Gate Full-back Rio Cardines sealed a deadline-quick move to Championship side Bristol City last Tuesday, and the 20-year-old was immediately named in the match-day squad for the Robins’ fixture against Millwall at Ashton Gate. **The Debut** Cardines was thrust into an exceptionally difficult situation, introduced just before the hour mark with Bristol City reduced to 10 men and trailing 2-0. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Trinidad and Tobago international showed sharp defensive awareness and composed distribution under pressure, drawing a warm reception from the home faithful. Bristol City were unable to mount a comeback, but Cardines’ early introduction signals that head coach Michael Skubala views him as an immediate option rather than a long-term project. **What next?** Cardines will be pushing for his first start when Bristol City travel to face Birmingham City on Saturday (12:30 BST). [Hindolo Mustapha:](https://talksport.com/football/4507211/crystal-palace-hindolo-mustapha-notts-county-wigan/) Immediate Spark at Meadow Lane **The Context** Like Cardines, 20-year-old midfielder Hindolo Mustapha had his loan move finalised early last week, joining League One side Notts County. The Sierra Leone international arrived with high expectations following impressive Premier League 2 performances for Palace’s U21s. **The Debut** Mustapha made an instant impact coming off the bench midway through the second half with Notts County trailing 1-0 against Leicester City at Meadow Lane. Operating between the lines, Mustapha’s ball-carrying ability and incisive passing helped swing momentum in County’s favour. The pressure paid off nine minutes from time when Conor Grant struck to secure a 1-1 draw. **What next?** Mustapha will look to build on his bright cameo when Notts County head to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town on Saturday (12:30 BST). ### Owen Goodman: Early tests and high standards in Scotland **The Context** Goalkeeper Owen Goodman moved north to join Scottish Premiership side Dundee FC in late July. The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who was named in Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad earlier this summer, has quickly been handed a heavy workload. **The debut & recent form** Goodman has already clocked up three appearances across the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup: - **vs. Celtic (L 0-1):** Made his debut against the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, producing two high-quality reflex saves to keep Dundee in the match. - **vs. Aberdeen (W 2-0):** Kept his first clean sheet for the club in a commanding league victory. - **vs. Aberdeen (L 0-3):** Faced the Dons again in the League Cup second round on Saturday, where Dundee exited the competition. **What next?** Goodman will be under the spotlight this coming weekend as Dundee FC gear up for the Tayside derby against rivals Dundee United on Saturday, 22nd August (17:45 BST). ### The Bigger Picture: Palace’s Loan Pathway Palace continue to place strong emphasis on senior loan minutes to accelerate player development. The club’s internal media operation previously highlighted this process in the [*Loan Life* documentary](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/loan-life/) series, which tracked youth players adapting to the physical demands of English Football League and top-flight environments. Club officials will be monitoring Cardines, Mustapha, and Goodman closely as their respective spells progress.