Don Hutchison tips Crystal Palace ace for ‘big future’ after what he saw vs Shelbourne
Crystal Palace should be on high alert after one of Oliver Glasner’s starters was heavily praised for his display against Shelbourne.
Just hours before kick-off on Thursday, 11 December, Palace confirmed the crushing news of Daniel Munoz’s injury, joining Ismaila Sarr and Cheick Doucoure on the treatment table.
Glasner’s side last faced Strasbourg in the Europa Conference League, losing 2-1, but after a simple 3-0 win in Ireland, the Eagles have moved to ninth in the league standings with one game remaining.
There will be huge confidence going up against KuPS, even with a game against Man City sandwiched in the middle, and one player was given a rare start against Shelbourne.
Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino were both on the scoresheet, but it was the first goalscorer who got the plaudits.
Christantus Uche opens the scoring vs Shelbourne
With Jean-Philippe Mateta benched, 22-year-old Christantus Uche, on loan from Getafe, was given a chance to shine, and he did so when opening the scoring at Tallaght Stadium.
Speaking on TNT Sports, transcribed by BBC Sport (11 December), Don Hutchison said: “There’s been lots of bright spots for Palace fans to watch tonight…
“But Christantus Uche has a big future. It’s a good competition for him to play in,” who netted his first goal in all competitions since joining on loan from Getafe during the summer.
Touching more on the general play, he added: “A touch of class, that move. I’m surprised at Shelbourne’s approach to not putting Palace under pressure. Football-wise, that is a very classy goal.”
Don Hutchison not the only one to rave about the Crystal Palace attacker
Hutchison can clearly see a long career for the young goalscorer, but he has not quite had his breakthrough yet, having mainly been a back-up for Mateta.
Mateta could leave Palace in January, which would open the door for both Nketiah and Uche to get more first-team minutes, but that seems highly unlikely at this stage.
With Uche currently on loan from Getafe until the end of the campaign, the 22-year-old will be playing to impress, and maybe even earn a permanent move to the Premier League.
The Nigerian international has not been given many chances to prove himself, but when that opportunity came against Shelbourne, he slotted away in style.
Shay Given was extremely complimentary as well while commentating on the game, and it seems like the striker could be gaining some much-needed attention ahead of next season.