22/12/2024

Crystal Palace striker ready to fight for Palace and World Cup place

Viernes 30 de Marzo del 2018

Crystal Palace striker ready to fight for Palace and World Cup place

The Belgian has spent the international break with the Eagles

The Belgian has spent the international break with the Eagles

It's been a far from fruitful season for Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke.

The Belgian has just two goals to his name and now he's faced with the task of being the Eagles lone fit striker once again.

Connor Wickham suffered yet another setback to his return having scored for the U23s in midweek, while Alexander Sorloth is a doubt for the fixture against Liverpool.

While Roy Hodgson has be complimentary of the former Reds striker, the 27-year-old's performance in front of goal cost him his place in the Belgium set-up for the most recent set of friendlies.

Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Crystal Palace at London Stadium on January 30, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Benteke was obviously disappointed but acknowledged that goals will be the only response that can win him a place in Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad.

He told Sky Sports : "It's the first time I've not been selected in the squad since I first joined, so it was difficult. I spoke with the manager, who called me straight away after, and talked to me about it. I think it's fair, what he said, but it's between him and me.

"Of course, it gives me more motivation. Only more goals will help me to get back to where I want to be. Roy [Hodgson] gives us a lot of confidence in our play, we are more compact and more solid in our shape too.

"It's a shame I can't find the net. I can feel I'm working more for the team, but people will look at whether I'm scoring or not. With a few more goals, my stats would be much better than now - but I just need to score.

"The Palace fans have been really good with me, even in my tough times, so I want them to just support us and I will do everything I can, and the team will to, to stay up."

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