Oliver Glasner is now set to name six Crystal Palace youngsters in his squad for the pre-season tour of the United States.
The Eagles are set to depart south London for Annapolis, Maryland in the coming days to take on fellow Premier League side Wolves – before a clash against West Ham in Tampa, Florida follows.
A story from the South London Press now states that the Austrian will take six talented young prospects on Crystal Palace’s pre-season tour, including Franco Umeh, a name who has been on the lips of many fans recently.
The Republic of Ireland international U19 international is expected to compete against Tyrick Mitchell for the left-wing back role this season.
It was even said that Glasner decided against signing Ryan Sessegnon on a free transfer as he believes Umeh is capable of challenging the England international at Selhurst Park – according to Alan Nixon.
The South London Press believe Caleb Kporha, Asher Agbinone, Justin Devenny, Roshaun Mathurin and Mofe Jemide are all set to join the 19-year-old in travelling to the United States with the senior players.
For the first time in a while, it genuinely feels like some of our academy prospects have a chance of breaking into the first-team.
Roy Hodgson never showed much desire to blood the youngsters unless he absolutely had to – instead opting for the more experienced options – even sticking with the same senior crop in dead rubber, end of season affairs, much to the annoyance of supporters.
However, Glasner seems like he is giving every player – young or old – a chance to impress this summer and make a name for themselves, which is fantastic to see.
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Hopefully, one of these six prospects can put their name up in lights whilst out in the United States, and follow the likes of Mitchell, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Wilfried Zaha in breaking through.