Crystal Palace U23 hero quick to praise two Eagles legends after penalty shootout win over Sunderland
Ollie Webber has praised the influence of two Crystal Palace icons – Shaun Derry and Julian Speroni – after his side won promotion to the U23 Premier League 2 Division 1.
More than 2,700 fans were at Selhurst Park on Monday night to see the young Eagles, in their first campaign as a category one academy, beat Sunderland 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
The architect of promotion was former Palace captain Derry, now in charge of the U23 side after senior managerial spells at Cambridge United and Notts County.
Webber said: “He has managed first-teams and is now bringing that experience to help us in the U23s. That has helped all of us loads this season.”
Club legend Speroni, who had a 15-year career with the Eagles, is taking one training session a week with the young goalkeepers.
“It’s been amazing to work with Julian,” said Webber. “It has been great to talk to him about his experiences and learn from him and have him around for advice because he is such a legend. He was at Crystal Palace for a long time, and I used to watch him in the Premier League.”
Webber has praised the noise generated by home supporters on Tuesday night. He said: “It was amazing, the Palace fans have always been amazing. Every time we play in front of them, whether it is the FA Youth Cup or over these last few games, they are always excellent. It sounded like a full house tonight.”
Webber, who has featured for Northern Ireland at U19 level, made three outstanding saves during normal time to keep his clean sheet intact.
And the 20-year-old stood tall during the shootout, forcing Adam Richardson to miss his crucial spot-kick, which allowed David Omilabu to smash home the winning penalty and send the home fans into raptures.
Webber said: “We knew it would be tough because they are a very good side, very compact. We thought it could go to penalties – we practised them all week. We dug in and got the result in the end – the boys were all excellent.”
With Wayne Hennessey and Stephen Henderson both out of contract in the summer, there could be a chance for Webber to step up to the first-team and act as the third choice back-up for Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland.
“I would love to start training with the first-team,” said Webber. “But I want to get out on loan and get some more senior games of football under my belt. If that can’t happen, I’d love to train with the first-team.”
PICTURES: PPAUK/CPFC