Paddy McCarthy provides Roy Hodgson update as Crystal Palace boss falls unwell before defeat at Aston Villa

Stand-in Crystal Palace boss Paddy McCarthy says that Roy Hodgson is feeling better after the 76-year-old missed the 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon due to falling unwell before the game.

Palace confirmed on social media before the game that Hodgson would not attend the clash at Villa Park and McCarthy would take charge of the game, with Ray Lewington assisting the former defender.

McCarthy managed Palace last season after Patrick Vieira was dismissed, looking after the squad for the 4-1 defeat at then-league leaders Arsenal in March.

Palace took the lead through Odsonne Edouard, but three late goals from Jhon Duran, Douglas Luiz and Leon Biley secured all three points for the hosts.

“He’s feeling better,” said McCarthy.

“We’re all hopeful that he will continue to feel better and he will be back with us soon rather than later.

“All the preparations were done with Roy. In between breakfast and the pre-match meal, he felt a bit unwell – that’s when we found out.

“We just had to continue as we prepared.

“There is a lot of stuff going on when the game is going on. Just before the game, we had contact [with Hodgson] and we’ll speak to him now after the game as well.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD