‘Kickstarting his career again’ – Crystal Palace boss on loan deal for Chelsea defender with first start handed in Millwall FA Cup clash

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell has been handed his first start for Crystal Palace in their fifth round FA Cup clash against Millwall.

The England international has made appearances against Doncaster in the FA Cup, plus against Everton and Fulham in the Premier League.

But despite not making a start yet, Palace boss Oliver Glasner has praised the influence of the UEFA Champions League winner on his squad in the few weeks he has been part of it so far.

“He’s integrated great from day one,” said Glasner. “He’s great in the dressing room – even if he’s on the bench, he’s talking before the game, sharing his experience and pushing.

“Before we signed him, we were speaking about signing players who are hungry and addicted to success and to improving. This is the most important part for me, because otherwise, the move was not for him.”

That improvement was a key reason for Chilwell joining the south London club with his minutes limited at Chelsea and Glasner believes the player is close to being back to his best.

“I think his motivation was about getting the chance to kickstart his career again,” said Glasner about the 28-year-old moving to SE25.

“He didn’t have team training for the whole of January, and now he’s at every single training, every single game. He gets all the support [here]. We can see the progress on the pitch and [that he’s] getting back into a better rhythm. He’s coming closer to his best personal shape, and this is what we want to see.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD