Crystal Palace boss has maximum respect for former Eagles striker Glenn Murray
Roy Hodgson knows that stopping Glenn Murray in tonight’s derby at Brighton is likely to be one of the key battles for his Crystal Palace side.
The 35-year-old former Eagles striker is showing no signs of quietly dialling down his career after his return to the South-Coast outfit and has seven goals in 14 appearances.
“I’ve been very impressed by him,” said Hodgson. “He left incredibly good memories here at Crystal Palace. The chairman [Steve Parish] speaks incredibly highly of him.
“Everyone admires what he has done – not only for Palace but for Brighton. He is one of their main weapons Brighton have in their armoury and he’s someone we have to pay very close attention to.”
Hodgson also made it clear he would not be racing on to the Amex Stadium pitch if Palace win at their arch-rivals – like Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp did after a stoppage-time winner over Everton on Sunday.
“I won’t be doing it because I can’t run that fast anyway,” said the Eagles chief. “It is not something which is occupying my waking moments before sleep time anyway.
“It is not always easy to take that step back and reactions are spontaneous – unfortunately a spontaneous reaction will be criticised afterwards in the cold light of day.”
Palace have no injury doubts for tonight’s match, with Hodgson expected to name the same starting 11 for the third game in a row.
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