‘Kick on’ – Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson makes Odsonne Edouard prediction

Roy Hodgson expects Odsonne Edouard to “kick on” for Crystal Palace in the coming seasons after the forward grabbed his second goal under the ex-England boss last weekend in the 2-2 draw at Fulham.

Frenchman Edouard led the line at Craven Cottage and came into the starting line-up after Wilfried Zaha was ruled out with a hamstring injury. 

Ex-Toulouse forward Edouard opened the scoring against Marco Silva’s side in the 34th minute after collecting Eberechi Eze’s pass and slamming a left-footed shot beyond Bernd Leno.

The 25-year-old joined the South Londoners last summer in a £14million deal from Celtic but has only found the net five times this season in 34 appearances.

Edouard also scored in the 5-1 win at Leeds in Hodgson’s second game in charge after returning to the club.

“He’s got more goals in him – he’s a very good finisher,” said Hodgson of the former PSG youngster.

“He has good technical skills. In these games, he has done well. In fact, in the last two or three games, he has been better than the previous five or six ones.

“He has got a lot of potential. I know he’s not one of the real youngsters, but he is still relatively young, especially in terms of Premier League football. 

“I would expect him to kick on and do even better in seasons to come. There is no doubt that he has got the wherewithal that every manager or coach is looking for when they’re looking for a centre forward.

“Players have to do a lot for themselves, You can’t give somebody confidence, it has to come from within.

“You can give them information, good tips and make their jobs, what you think it should be, very clear for them.

“But the actual confidence to do it has to come from within. I have seen no signs of him lacking that confidence, certainly not recently.

“If he was to score a few more goals like the way he did against Fulham, he would see an even bigger boost in his confidence. Forwards need goals, but when the goals dry up, confidence falls at the same level and speed.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD