Palace boss explains why attacker – linked with Milton Keynes and Accrington – did not move in January transfer window
Patrick Vieira has outlined why Crystal Palace academy graduate Jesurun Rak-Sakyi did not leave the club on loan during the January transfer window.
Southwark-born Rak-Sakyi made his debut for the South Londoners in the 3-0 loss against Chelsea at the start of the season.
The 19-year-old winger has scored goals for fun this season in the Premier League 2 Division 1 campaign, netting 11 goals in 16 matches for Paddy McCarthy’s side.
Rak-Sakyi, who has been capped by England U20s on three occasions, was reported to have drawn interest from a host of EFL clubs over the winter window.
Along with Accrington Stanley looking to secure Rak-Sakyi on a deal for the rest of the season, the South London Press understands that Milton Keynes were also interested in taking him on loan.
Rak-Sakyi made the bench for the FA Cup win against Millwall and the Premier League draw with Brighton.
Vieira confirmed that the youngster would be in the squad for tomorrow’s fourth-round tie against League Two side Hartlepool United.
“He didn’t go out on loan, so he will be training with the first team until the end of the season,” said Vieira. “We believe that he is a talent, but at the same time, we need to help him to develop that talent – that will take time.
“Training every day with the players that we have in our football club will improve him. It is important for him to spend time with the first team.”
Nathan Ferguson made his Crystal Palace debut in the 3-0 loss against Spurs on Boxing Day – replacing Tyrick Mitchell for the final eight minutes of the contest after 17 injury-stricken months at Selhurst Park.
However, Vieira believes that it is too early for him to start tomorrow’s FA Cup clash.
“Nathan has played a couple of games with the U23 – he’s been training. He had a couple of steps back, but he will not be ready to start tomorrow,” he said.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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