Three Crystal Palace youngsters set for Conference League chance against KuPS | OneFootball

Oliver Glasner is set to make sweeping changes for Crystal Palace’s Conference League tie against KuPS at Selhurst Park on Thursday, with several academy prospects in contention.

According to The Standard, academy players have trained with the senior squad and Glasner has said none of those who start against KuPS will also start against Leeds in the Premier League this weekend.

Dean Benamar, Benji Casey, George King, Mofe Jemide, Kaden Rodney and Joel Drakes-Thomas have been called up, while 15-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Benetton has been pictured working with the first team.

Palace sit just outside the automatic qualification places for the knockout phase. Despite needing a win, Glasner is expected to trust youth and hand minutes to fringe players.

Casey, a striker, has scored 15 goals in 20 appearances for the Under-21s and Under-18s this season. The 17-year-old came off the bench against Shelbourne in the last Conference League match and could feature again as Palace manage Jean-Philippe Mateta’s fitness.

At 16, Drakes-Thomas would become the youngest Englishman to debut in the Conference League if he plays. He is highly regarded and his development has been accelerated as the club works to secure his long-term future.

Rodney has been around the first team since his senior debut under Patrick Vieira in 2022. The 21-year-old is the most experienced academy player at Selhurst Park, with a club-record 79 Under-21 appearances.

Source: The Standard