Oliver Glasner has already taken a few training sessions at Crystal Palace alongside Paddy McCarthy – and Franco Umeh caught the eye.
Praise for the 19-year-old could be heard in the background as Crystal Palace released footage from the Austrian’s first training session at Copers Cope in Beckenham.
So, what did Franco Umeh do in Crystal Palace training to impress Paddy McCarthy? Let’s take a look…
Franco Umeh impresses Paddy McCarthy in Crystal Palace training
Well, the Republic of Ireland U19 international has been on the fringes of the first-team lately.
Umeh travelled as part of the squad for the 1-1 draw against Everton, and has been a regular in training.
In a drill at Copers Cope, the teenager was filmed taking on Matheus Franca and David Ozoh as Glasner and McCarthy watched from the sideline.
Umeh displays a brilliant turn of pace – and also impressive strength – as he drops the shoulder and breezes past the Brazilian, before slotting a fine finish beyond Remi Matthews around the 9:27 mark of Crystal Palace’s video.
In the background, McCarthy could be heard shouting “good Franco, well played son” – clearly, the Irishman was impressed by his fellow countryman’s efforts.
As aforesaid, Glasner was also watching from the sideline, and the 49-year-old was surely impressed by what he saw from Umeh as well.
Oliver Glasner could take a liking to Franco Umeh
In our view, Umeh could become a useful option under Glasner.
The Irishman can operate on either flank – having made four appearances on the right and four appearances on the left so far this season – while his efficiency in both roles has stood out.
Umeh has impressively scored six goals in just 11 Premier League 2 outings this season, while also providing one assist.
Glasner typically uses two inverted forwards playing off a target man, so if Umeh continues to impress in training, there is no reason why he can’t make a debut under the Austrian in one of these positions.
