Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner _(Image: PA)_
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Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed that Romain Esse and Christantus Uche will both be included in the Conference League squad to face AEK Larnaca on Thursday, despite featuring for the Under-21s earlier this week.
The pair played 45 minutes in Tuesday night’s EFL Trophy defeat to Stevenage, marking the last opportunity in Palace’s packed run of four games in nine days to get minutes in the tank outside of first-team action.
Glasner wanted Uche and Esse ready if needed, since training sessions are limited. He also stressed that both players should view their Under-21 appearance as a positive opportunity rather than a punishment.
“Romain Esse, Christantus Uche and Rio Cardines played for the Under-21s on Tuesday night,” said Glasner. Romain and Christantus did not play for their national teams as they were called up, but didn’t get minutes.
“They haven’t played many minutes for us either, and we don't train much at the moment. We now have four games in nine days, so it’s mainly recovery.
“It was the last opportunity to give them an 11 against 11, getting a little bit of feeling for this, which is important if they are needed in the next four games.
“If they went the next three weeks without playing an 11 against 11, then they are not best prepared. That was the reason behind giving them 45 minutes for the Under-21s.
“I told them that it is never a punishment. It’s our responsibility to provide the best environment for every player.
“If we can’t provide it with our regular training because of our tight schedule, we have to think about how we can give them what they need. This is the support.
“If they see it as support, they will benefit from it. If they see it as a punishment, they will fail – not just here, everywhere.”