Against Barnsley, on 18th October, the youngster was in from the start in front of a packed Selhurst Park.
“I just remember wanting to keep it simple,” reflects Clyne. “You can’t overcomplicate things in your first game. But as my confidence grew, I was able to express myself more on the ball.
“I actually felt ready instantly. It helped of course that there were players around the first-team I had played with in the Academy. That gave me a headstart.
“We had Sean Scannell, Victor Moses in the team – so I saw some usual faces. It was really good to have them there as that support.
“We won 3-0 [v Barnsley], so it was a decent start. I even got Man of the Match.”
Although regular right-back Danny Butterfield returned from injury to take his place the following week, Clyne had held his own and shown that he belonged. In fact, if you look at any footage from Clyne’s early matches, you can already see the first elements of what would become the trademarks of his game.
The shirt may be a touch baggy and the squad number may read 43 – yet the full-back was already showing a trademark willingness to get forward in attack, a composure on the ball, and defensive solidity.
By the end of that first season, he was already making waves, awarded Palace’s Young Player of the Season.