Osian Roberts cannot wait to hand control back over to Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira

Osian Roberts cannot wait to slip back out of the spotlight despite overseeing Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Norwich City today.

The Eagles assistant manager has stepped up after Patrick Vieira contracted Covid-19. The Frenchman started isolating before the weekend reverse at Tottenham.

Odsonne Edouard, Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Jeffrey Schlupp scored for Palace as they moved up to ninth in the Premier League table.

Roberts was unwilling to specify if Conor Gallagher was missing due to the virus. He said it was too early to determine if the England international will be back for Saturday’s home game against West Ham United.

Asked about Vieira being back in the dugout this weekend, he responded: “Patrick is doing well. He’s obviously delighted with the result.

“We’re in constant dialogue and have a good communication strategy to make sure we’re able to follow any instructions throughout the game, as well as during the week.

“We’re waiting day by day to see when he is going to be back at the training ground and back at the helm.

“I don’t enjoy it at all [being in control for the victory against Norwich] because I want Patrick back in the technical area and back here. My role is to assist and support him, as best as I can. My sole focus is on making sure everything he wants done, we do it to the best of our ability. I miss him on a daily basis at work. I can’t wait to get him back with us – it’s important for the staff and the players.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD