Oliver Glasner assesses Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper battle

Oliver Glasner joked he contemplated playing Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson at the same time due to the strength of his Crystal Palace goalkeeper department.

But the 49-year-old conceded there is no need to remove Johnstone from his starting spot.

Ex-West Brom stopper Johnstone reclaimed his starting spot in the team that drew 1-1 at Everton in Palace’s last Premier League away outing. 

The team, which was co-managed by Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington, for Goodison Park was selected by Roy Hodgson before he stepped down to be replaced by Glasner, who watched the game from the stands.

Henderson joined in the summer on a five-year deal from Manchester United and started eight top-flight outings in a row after Johnstone suffered an injury in the 2-1 defeat at home to Liverpool.

Johnstone kept Palace’s first clean sheet since November last Saturday in the 3-0 win over Burnley.

“I spoke with both of them,” said Glasner.

“At the moment I thought about maybe playing with both.

“But I was told it was not allowed. It’s a great situation for a manager to have two brilliant goalkeepers. 

“Also having Remi [Matthews] and Joe [Whitworth] behind them – a young and ambitious keeper.

“With Dean leading them, I see how hard they’re working and what fun they have together in training.

“It’s the best to have two number ones. 

“There is no situation now to make a change  – Sam played very well at Everton and kept a clean sheet against Burnley. 

“Dean is pushing and this is what I expect from all the players.”