With the highly anticipated return of league football nearly upon us, I've decided to sneak in one more short post about the latest info from South London, the real South London, not that pansy bit near New Cross.
Anyway, today, my little Eagle-lovers I am here to inform you of performances from Crystal Palace players that have stepped up to International level this week! Players in this section of footballing greatness (from Selhurst Park) are:
Lewis Price (GK) - Wales
Nathaniel Clyne (DEF) - England U21
Jonathan Williams (MID) - Wales U21
Jonathan Parr (MID) - Norway
Other players were on standby for call-up if necessary, these were:
Andrew Dorman (MID) - Wales
Jermaine Easter (ATT) - Wales
Lewis Price was the substitute goalkeeper for Wales' friendly against Norway on Saturday. Unfortunately the Palace sub stopper was unused for this game but sometimes in football you just have to sit and wait for your moment. During that game, however, one Eagles man did step on to the field, for Wales' opposition, Norway.
Jonathan Parr, who has been impressive so far this season made yet another appearance for his country as a substitute in the dying stages, but was still awarded a solid 4.0 match rating by Sky Sports. The Welsh romped to a 4-1 victory with goals from Spurs' Gareth Bale, Liverpool's Craig Bellamy & a Sam Vokes (Wolves) double. Norway's goalscorer was Championship side Portsmouth's Erik Huseklepp.
Nathaniel Clyne received Player of the Month for October in the Championship and was awarded another honor just a few weeks after his return from a broken foot, by a double call-up from England U21's manager Stuart Pearce. His first appearance, which was his International U21 debut, was in the 5-0 thrashing of Iceland on Friday 11th. Clyne started in the left side of defense, as opposed to his usual right back role that he dominates at Selhurst Park. Clyne put in a good solid performance and stayed on pitch for the full ninety minutes to help shut out the opposition.
His second U21 cap came against Belgium on Monday 14th and with the England U21s sitting top of their European Championship qualifying group, they were hoping to put some distance between them and the other four contenders. Belgium scraped a 2-1 win over England and brought themselves within 4 points of England's 12. Despite the loss, Pearce kept young Nathaniel on the field for the full ninety, clearly not holding him responsible for any defensive errors that may have led to the goals. An overall good start to international football for Clyne.
The final Palace man in International action this week was academy prodigy Jonathan Williams who was called up for the Wales U21 squad to play his part in their 0-0 draw with Armenia on Tuesday 15th. Wales U21 manager Brian Flynn awarded Jonathan a starting place but the Welsh wing wizard was dealt a crushing blow as he was subbed off after a crunching tackle was made on him. The severity of the injury he sustained is unknown but there are rumors and speculation that it is a broken leg. If this is the case he could be out for a minimum of 3-4 months. I'm sure I speak for all of you when I say, get well soon Jonny!
In other news...
Crystal Palace boss Dougie Freedman makes a new signing this week in the form of Norwich City striker Chris Martin. Despite speculation that he is in fact a member of the band Coldplay, I can assure you all that he is a proven striker and has scored 34 goals for The Canaries in his 114 appearances. Martin started three of Norwich's first four Premier League this season, the most recent being in their 2-0 defeat to Palace's Carling Cup QF opponents Manchester United.
Chris will hope to get some match-time under his belt and with any luck a few goals as he returns to Norwich just after the new year.
Loan strikers have proven effective at Selhurst Park, James Vaughan who Palace signed from Everton scored some vital goals before returning to Goodison Park, only then to be sold to Martin's club Norwich City.
Freddie Sears is another name that springs to mind when I think of previous loaned strikers as he scored few but important goals during his spell from West Ham.
Pablo Counago made thirty appearances for the Eagles during their last season, scoring two goals, after his loan spell he returned to Ipswich Town, where he has scored 23 goals to date.
The Eagles are back in action this Saturday at the King Power Stadium. I will, as usual, be providing my own facts and figures on either the Thursday or Friday leading up to the game so check back here and don't forget to follow my Twitter account for updates on latest blog posts here: http://www.twitter.com/DTaylorCPFC
Until then, be loud, be proud, be Palace! EEEEEEEEEAGLESSS!!!!
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