‘Really strong potential’ – Palace boss on young keeper

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira says Joe Whitworth has ‘really strong potential’ with the 18-year-old set to be the second-choice goalkeeper for the coming weeks after Sam Johnstone picked up a calf injury.

Whitworth was the only goalkeeper named on the bench for the Eagles last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Brentford.

Johnstone joined Palace in the summer on a free transfer from West Brom. However, the 29-year-old is yet to feature in the Premier League this season, with first-choice Vicente Guaita starting every game in the top flight.

Ex-Aston Villa stopper Johnstone has featured under Vieira in the EFL Cup games against Oxford United and Newcastle.

England U19 keeper Whitworth signed a new long-term contract with the South Londoners at the start of 2023 and has been named on the bench six times this season.

Our paper understands that Johnstone’s calf injury is expected to keep him out until the end of March.

“He is used to being around the first team,” said Vieira of Whitworth.

“He is developing and progressing – he’s been on the bench. He’s somebody that we believe has a really strong potential.

“For him to be on the bench, it’s important to see how Vicente prepares himself during games. Also, to see and learn about the atmosphere during games and in the dressing room.

“It will be a really good experience for him.

“He’s 18, but he’s a really strong character. 

“He knows himself really well – he knows his strength and weaknesses. He’s really mature for an 18-year-old boy.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD