Palace boss quizzed on Ahamada’s performance and Hughes’ injury after Wolves win
Oliver Glasner admitted Naouirou Ahamada took some time to grow into Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win at Wolves – but was pleased with the midfielder’s contributions.
Ahamada was brought on in the 15th minute after Will Hughes was forced off with an injury.
The 22-year-old was featured in a first-half Premier League outing for the first time for the Eagles since joining from Stuggart last January.
Ex-Juventus youngster Ahamada was issued with his first yellow card of the game in the 82nd minute and was sent off three minutes later for a foul on the edge of the box.
All 29 of Ahamada’s Premier League appearances have come from the bench.
“It’s difficult. You don’t expect to go into a game after 10 minutes,” said Glasner.
“It took a little bit but then he did really well. He had the pre assist with the third goal – a first touch to Michael, who was in a pocket.
“He was playing forward after the game went to 2-1 – he did it really well.
“It was a tight decision [the red card]. We could have cleared the ball before. Chris Richards had the ball but didn’t clear it.
“This can happen in a game. But it’s important that all the other players are here for you.”
Hughes, 29, has trigged a contract extension at Selhurst Park for next season and has become a key player alongside Adam Wharton in the midfield for the Eagles.
“We hope that it’s not that serious,” the Palace boss added.
“We hope it was a coming together of knees. The Wolves player slipped on the grass and went straight into his knee.
“We hoped it was nothing with his ACL. We will see.”