‘What can be the next challenge?’ – Patrick Vieira’s stance on Crystal Palace’s decision with Charlton loanee

Patrick Vieira has admitted it would be the wrong decision to recall Jesurun Rak-Sakyi from his loan spell with Charlton Athletic if he is not going to play every game.

Palace academy graduate Rak-Sakyi has a January recall clause in his loan deal and has recently been linked to a loan move to the Championship for the second half of the season.

The 20-year-old winger signed a new five-year deal with the Eagles before heading off to Charlton on loan for the season. He has featured 23 times for the South Londoners, scoring five times and recording three assists.

Dean Holden was appointed as Ben Garner’s replacement last week. The Addicks, who drew Manchester United away in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup after beating Brighton on penalties, are 18th in League One and are without a win in their last five outings in the third division.

“There is a reflection about the decision to make,” said Vieira of whether he believed Rak-Sakyi could be tested in the Championship for the second half of the season.

“Of course, he is doing really well. It’s important for him to keep playing. At this age, to keep progressing, you need to play every week.

“To call him back, and to play one game in every six or seven, will not be the right decision. 

“The discussion has to be: ‘What can be the next challenge for him?’

“But, at the moment, he is in a really good place with good support around him.

“He is enjoying his football – that is really good for him.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD