Easter is anxious to seize his second chance of dream date

Easter was with Plymouth when they travelled to Emirates Stadium for an FA Cup third-round tie in January 2009, but a knee injury forced him to watch the game from the stands.

But after Easter's 81st-minute penalty made the game safe for Palace against their Championship rivals Southampton , the striker's thoughts turned to the prospect of a clash with one of the country's top clubs.

"Arsenal were the team I supported when I was growing up, so to draw them would be fantastic," said Easter. "When I was at Plymouth and we played them, I had a medial ligament injury and could only watch, which was disappointing.

"Hopefully, we can get them in the next round and I'll be playing. Whether it's here or at the Emirates, if we could get one of the big boys like Arsenal it would be good for the football club."

Easter's spot-kick doubled Palace's lead after Darren Ambrose had put them in front in the 73rd minute, yet the most impressive player for the home side was midfielder Jonathan Williams, who only turned 18 earlier this month.

He produced a display full of ideas, creating the first for Ambrose and then being fouled for the penalty that Easter converted.

Williams was born in Kent but has a Welsh father and he was called up to their senior squad for the first time for last month's Euro 2012 qualifiers against Switzerland and Bulgaria. However, he did not play, meaning he would still be eligible for England. Easter, who has 10 caps for Wales, is convinced Williams has the quality to become a star.

"Jonny's a Welsh lad and I've taken him under my wing," said the 29-year-old Easter. "He wants to learn, he listens and I love him to bits - I think he's got a massive future ahead of him.

"It's early in his development, his first year in senior football. I've played with people like Gareth Bale, Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy and they're all top players. Jonny has a bright future but he needs to keep working hard and working on his weaknesses.

"So far, so good, and if he keeps progressing at the rate he's progressing, you never know.

"If we draw Manchester United or Arsenal in the quarter-finals, it's a chance for young players like Jonny or Wilfried Zaha to go and test themselves against those players."