By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi will both start Crystal Palace‘s UEFA Conference League play-off clash on Thursday night despite significant speculation surrounding their futures.
Eze is closing in on a move to Tottenham, while Guehi is wanted by Liverpool, but Palace boss Oliver Glasner confirmed the pair would be involved from the off against Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the club’s first ever European game.
‘Many of you were surprised they started against Chelsea,’ Glasner said. ‘You may be surprised they will start tomorrow because of all the rumours.
‘But they are committed to the team, they have a contract here and want to play a crucial part in our success.
‘They will play a crucial part for as long as they are here. If they leave, they want to leave as the guys who gave 100 per cent to Crystal Palace.
‘This is what they have done since they signed many years ago and this is what we expect from them until the end.’
Eberechi Eze will start Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League clash on Thursday night
Palace captain Marc Guehi will also start against Norwegian side Fredrikstad, despite significant speculation surrounding the future of the pair
Pressed on whether the speculation has been difficult for Eze in particular, Glasner joked: ‘It’s more difficult for me honestly because I always have to speak to you.’
Glasner also insisted it shouldn’t be a shock that Guehi and Eze are continuing to play and train normally at a time when others, most notably Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, strike in an attempt to force through a move.
‘We have to be pleased the player gives 100 per cent,’ he added. ‘But if a player signs a contract he should stick to the contract. We don’t have to say thank you every day.
‘This is what we can expect, especially when you get a few pounds a week. It’s the right of the club and the duty of the player to give 100 per cent as long as he is under contract.’
Palace keeper Dean Henderson was asked for a dressing room perspective on the situation and added: ‘They’re great lads, they’re so committed and so professional. It showed in the Chelsea game. They were both phenomenal.
‘They’ll stay committed throughout and are always here to help the team. They’re part of us at the moment, so we’ll keep enjoying them.’
