‘Serious contenders’ – Crystal Palace summer signing in line for first start in Everton FA Cup clash

Roy Hodgson says Matheus Franca and Naouirou Ahamada are “serious contenders” to start tomorrow for Crystal Palace against Everton in the FA Cup.

Franca joined the Eagles in the summer in a deal that could rise to £26million from Flamengo.

The 19-year-old has made just five Premier League substitute appearances so far, with his start to life at Selhurst Park delayed due to a stress fracture in his back being detected during his medical.

Frech youngster Ahamada is still yet to make his first Premier League start for the Eagles. 

The 21-year-old was handed a place in the starting 11 for the EFL Cup second round win over Plymouth earlier in the campaign.

Michael Olise suffered a hamstring injury against Brentford and is unavailable, and Jordan Ayew has jetted off with Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Hodgson said: “Let’s just say they’re serious contenders but I don’t want to say more on that for the moment – I don’t want to do Sean’s job for him.

“Let him at least have a few thoughts in his head about trying to work out exactly what changes we’re going to make and how many players we’re going to give an opportunity to because the knife of the Premier League battle has been removed from our throats.

“They’re both doing well and I have faith in both of them. 

“They have a very good future at the club, but they face competition from the players who have the shirts at the moment and they’re going to have to do very well to get the shirt themselves.”