Palace boss Roy Hodgson explains Naouirou Ahamada’s absence

Roy Hodgson has explained why Naouirou Ahamada has yet to be named in his Crystal Palace matchday squads.

Midfielder Ahamada joined the Eagles on deadline day in the January transfer window, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract from German side Stuttgart.

The 21-year-old featured seven times as a substitute before Hodgson arrived, replacing Patrick Vieira at Selhurst Park until the end of the season. 

Frenchman Ahamada has been omitted from the matchday squads against Leicester, Leeds and Southampton.

“He’s training very well,” said Hodgson of the former Juventus academy player.

“I didn’t pick him in the first one because I picked another team and didn’t know much about him.

“He didn’t get a place on the bench that day.

“The more I see in training, the more I like him, and the more I see of him.

“I have seen no reason in these last three games to suddenly tell somebody: ‘You’re out because Ahamada had a good training session yesterday.’

“The chances are the guy I say that to says: ‘Well, I had a good training session too.’ 

“That’s because the training has been good with everybody.

“He’s been very good – very supportive. We take him with us to every game because I want him to be around the team.

“I’m sure it won’t be that long before he starts establishing himself as a player here at Crystal Palace.

“I like the look of him – he looks like a very good signing. There is a lot to come from him.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD