Crystal Palace debutant Whitworth backed for a bright future – as boss reveals his pre-match message

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira says that Joe Whitworth only found out in the morning before the game away to Brighton that he would be starting.

The French World Cup winner also hailed the keeper’s debut and said the future looks “really good” for him.

Whitworth’s start meant he became Palace’s youngest Premier League goalkeeper at the age of 19 years and 15 days old.

The Palace academy graduate made two top saves in the second half, denying Previs Estupinan with his legs and stopping Alexis Mac Allister’s header from a corner.

First-choice stopper Vicente Guaita was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Brighton’s winner came in the 15th minute when Solly March slotted an effort beyond Whitworth.

“Joe has a big personality,” said Vieira. “He has the self-belief and calmness which allowed him to perform the way he did today. He showed a lot of good things, and it’s even more special because he’s a young player who came through the academy.

“To play his first game in professional level in a derby and a tough place, it’s good for him.

“We let him know this morning that he was going to start. The message from me in the dressing room was to be yourself. He’s been with us for a few months now and has been training with the first team.

“He understands that pressure and the game really well. Today, he was really composed and made a lot of good decisions. For the first game, there were lots of positives.

“There is a lot of potential in him and the future looks really good for him.

“We couldn’t give him a win which would have made it a perfect evening for him.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD