Roy Hodgson says Rhian Brewster might struggle for game time at Crystal Palace

Former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson isn’t certain of Rhian Brewster getting regular minutes at Crystal Palace.

Brewster is yet to play in the Premier League this season and has only featured in the Carabao Cup.

The 19-year-old needs to feature in first-team games to continue his development and will be allowed to leave on loan in January (h/t Liverpool Echo

Hodgson was speaking to Sky Sports and tried to play down rumours of the English striker joining the Eagles (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“The only thing that would concern me there is that I don’t know quite how many guaranteed games, so if I was going to speak to Jurgen and he was going to talk to me and say he wanted Rhian Brewster to go out on loan and play some matches, I’m not 100% certain I could guarantee him that he would be the first name on the teamsheet.”

Hodgson confirmed that Brewster was a “good player” but conceded that he had three starters who have more experience.

The Palace boss added that he would possibly use Brewster as cover for the trio but wanted the youngster to join a side which could guarantee him “20 matches”.

Tough call for Liverpool

Brewster has to go on loan as there is little chance of him getting minutes ahead of Divock Origi or even Xherdan Shaqiri.

However, injuries could turn things around for us and Brewster could still get a chance.

This is a risk that Jurgen Klopp has to think about. Some of our defenders are carrying knocks and we can’t afford more injuries at the back.

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Fabinho is the latest to pick up an injury and the Reds have a tough call to make over Brewster’s future.