Crystal Palace Coach Glasner Backs Uche to Ignite Career After Star European Performance

Crystal Palace head coach, Oliver Glasner, believes that Nigerian international Christantus Uche has earned the starting moment needed to truly kick-start his career at the club following his impressive performance against Irish side Shelbourne on Thursday.

Dependable NG reports that Uche was handed his first start for the Eagles and seized the opportunity, registering a goal and an assist in the team’s commanding 3-0 victory over Shelbourne in the UEFA Conference League. The 22-year-old, who arrived at Selhurst Park on loan from La Liga club Getafe in the summer, had previously struggled to secure consistent game time.

However, Uche delivered a man-of-the-match display, scoring the opener in the 11th minute and then setting up the second goal for Eddie Nketiah in the 25th minute. This followed an earlier impressive substitute appearance in Palace’s league win at Fulham last weekend.

Speaking to TNT SPORTS after the European fixture, Glasner emphasized that the Nigerian player had earned the chance. The coach stated: “Christantus deserved it. He showed up against Fulham. He showed he can help us, and he can score goals. That is now for him, maybe the starting moment at Crystal Palace.” The performance, which came hours after Uche was reportedly left out of the Super Eagles’ final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, provides the motivation for him to push for more regular playing time.