Crystal Palace boss hints at starting role for Tyrick Mitchell at Wolves

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Tyrick Mitchell could be set for his first-ever Premier League start for Crystal Palace in tonight’s Premier League match at Wolves.

The 20-year-old left-back came on as a late sub after Patrick van Aanholt dislocated his shoulder in Thursday’s 2-0 reverse to Manchester United.

Jairo Riedewald, Martin Kelly and Jeffrey Schlupp are more experienced options to replace the Dutchman.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “There is a choice, which is unusual really, because normally when someone has gone down in a position [this season] there hasn’t really been an obvious replacement.

“Jeff Schlupp we have to still be careful with, we have great faith in him and great belief in him. But our medical department are very concerned about the amount of time that he’s missed and hasn’t been playing and, of course, his propensity to muscle injury. I will have to go against their wishes, if you like, if I was to push him forward early doors.

“There is, of course, the options, with the senior players – Jairo and Kelly – to fill that position if I don’t want to give Tyrick – who’s been like an understudy in a way – his chance from the start. He came on the other night when Patrick got injured, so that’s a decision I’ll have to make.

“I don’t intend to give my thoughts away the day before the game, but you’re quite right in identifying those options and it’ll obviously be one of those options we will take, but I’m afraid you’ll have to have to wait until the team is announced because I don’t wish to broadcast my ideas to the world.”