Crystal Palace boss gives reaction to talk of loan deal for Liverpool striker

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Roy Hodgson has admitted that he rates Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster – but reckons that talk of a loan switch to Crystal Palace has one major complication.

The Reds are thought to be keen to send out the Dagenham-born 19-year-old to gain first-team experience.

And Palace have been linked with a move for the England U21 international.

“He’s a good player, no doubt about that,” said Hodgson.

“The only thing that would concern me there is I don’t know quite how many guaranteed games [he would get[.

“If I was going to speak to Jurgen Klopp and he told me: ‘We want Rhian Brewster to go on loan and play some matches’ I can’t 100 per cent guarantee him that he would be the first name on the teamsheet.

“He would be in competition with the three players I already have, experienced players and quality players. It would be useful for another player to come in and try to help us.

“If I was Jurgen Klopp or Rhian Brewster I’d want to be going somewhere where he is the first name on the teamsheet and is guaranteed between January and May to play 20 matches.”