Patrick Vieira outlines what Crystal Palace summer signing must do to earn more minutes
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira says that Malcolm Ebiowei has to understand the roles and responsibilities of being a Premier League player in order to earn more minutes.
Bermondsey-raised Ebiowei has been named on the bench in every Premier League game this season under Vieira since arriving from Derby County in the summer. But the 19-year-old has only played four minutes in the opening-day 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The ex-Rangers and Chelsea youngster also played 14 minutes in the EFL second-round win over League One side Oxford United.
He featured 16 times last season under Wayne Rooney as Derby County were relegated to League One.
Ebiowei has featured twice for Paddy McCarthy’s U21 side, scoring in the 3-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
“Malcolm is a young player who needs to understand the role and the responsibilities of when you are in the Premier League,” said Vieira of what the winger needed to do to earn more game time.
“He is still learning the game. He will get time, but at the moment, it is a little bit frustrating for him because he wants to play, but other players around him are doing well – it makes it a little bit more difficult for him.”
James McArthur has been missing since the start of the season. The 35-year-old played against QPR and Gillingham during pre-season but picked up a groin injury in training ahead of the campaign.
“He’s progressing well, but it’s really difficult to put a time on when he will be back,” said Vieira when asked whether the Scottish midfielder would be back in contention before the World Cup at the end of November.
“It’s hip issues which are taking longer to resolve.”
Nathaniel Clyne was stretched off during the 2-1 loss to Chelsea after he appeared to land awkwardly following an aerial battle with Thiago Silva.
The 31-year-old academy graduate, who signed a new one-year extension in the summer, has missed the last two outings against Leeds and Leicester.
“He’s getting better – he will start working on the field before the end of the week,” confirmed Vieira.
“It will be another week to 10 days before he gets back with the team.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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