AARON CAN DO THE BISS-NESS FOR ENGLAND, SAYS HODGSON
CHRIS HUGHTON has backed Glenn Murray to end his barren spell by bringing up his century of Brighton league goals at former club Crystal Palace.
The veteran striker, 35, helped fire the Seagulls to mid-table with eight goals in the opening 15 games.
But since then the goals have dried up with Murray netting in only one league match since early December.
His double at Fulham (top) in January took his Seagulls league tally to 99 – and boss Hughton desperately needs his main forward to start firing again, starting in today’s derby clash at Selhurst Park.
Murray’s frustrating run has coincided with Albion’s alarming slide down the table which was eased by Florin Andone’s match-winner against struggling Huddersfield last weekend.
But Hughton insists he has no doubt that his leading scorer will come good again – starting today against fierce rivals Palace.
He said: “It would be a fitting way to hit his landmark. But I think Crystal Palace might have something to say about that.”
And the manager dismissed any concerns about Murray’s AARON WAN-BISSAKA is targeting an England call-up next week – and Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson reckons he deserves it.
London-born Eagles rightback Wan-Bissaka (right) is eligible for the Democratic Republic of Congo, but is currently playing for England Under-21s. He has now been lack of goals – and said age remains nothing more than a number to the striker.
He added: “The good thing for Glenn is that he has been there for chances.
“Even if we go back to the Fulham game when Glenn scored two goals – but on another day could have had another couple – he is in really good positions.
“When you are a striker, I think the biggest concern is when you are not getting the chances, or when you are not in the position to get chances – but he is.
“So from that point of view, if you are that striker, and particularly someone like Glenn whose strength is scoring goals, he would be more disappointed if he wasn’t getting those chances.
“I think as regards his output, there is no difference. He’s still working as hard and getting into the areas. And
tipped to gatecrash the senior squad. The 21-year-old has started 26 Premier League games for Palace this season, and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is weighing up whether to name him in the senior squad next Wednesday.
Wan-Bissaka claimed his U21 call-up was “a highlight” of his season so far, saying: “I didn’t expect that. I was already in the when you’re that type of player, Glenn will always score goals – no matter what age he is.”
Hughton (right) admits he is puzzled by the Eagles’ struggles at Selhurst Park this season – and he plans to take full advantage of any home nerves.
He said: “It is a surprise because I know the atmosphere they get there, no matter who that game is against – whether it’s a local derby or whoever.
“It is unusual they have got so many points away from home in relation to home.
“Can we benefit from that? We hope so.
“The fact it’s a derby gives it a bit of a different dimension. We weren’t able to do that last season, but we’re on the back of a lifting and winning performance and, hopefully, we can benefit from that.” Under-20s, so I just thought I would be playing there.
“But, obviously, that was the target, so now I have reached that goal, the next is to be in the seniors. Hopefully, that comes.”
Only Everton’s Idrissa Gueye has made more than Wan-Bissaka’s 103 tackles this season, and his pace and maturity have impressed the England coaching staff. Eagles boss Hodgson said: “If he gets the call-up, he deserves it, and I wish him well.
“Are we surprised by how well he’s done? I suppose the honest answer is yes!
“In the year since he made his debut he has handled things very well. You do expect somewhere along the way, there will be some troughs. But we haven’t seen that with Aaron.”