Crystal Palace boss explains Matheus Franca’s FA Cup semi-final matchday squad absence

Oliver Glasner says he left Matheus Franca out of the matchday squad for Crystal Palace’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Aston Villa because he wanted Joel Ward’s experience on the bench.

The 35-year-old has made just two appearances this season off the bench but was drafted into the 3-0 win over Villa at Wembley in place of 21-year-old attacker Franca.

Ward has been with the Eagles since 2012 and has played 363 times for the South Londoners – playing every minute of the FA Cup run which saw Palace reach the final in the 2015-16 season. 

“I wanted Joel Ward in the squad because he is experienced,” said Glasner.

“He has the experience of Wembley with Crystal Palace and he is a leader in the dressing room.

“He deserves to be part of the squad in these games. I left him out of the squad for the two league games before.

“I mentioned before the semi-final that I had to make some tough decisions.

“You always look for balance in the team. As I told you before the Southampton game, we brought him [Franca] on because we had a feeling he would score a goal.

“Romain Esse was disappointed that I didn’t give him minutes but he has shown the right reaction since then.

“He trains well and is very good in training. I went for Romain and Matheus was left out.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD