‘Dangerous’ – Roy Hodgson assesses Rak-Sakyi’s substitute appearance in Crystal Palace’s draw with Nottingham Forest

Roy Hodgson believed that Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s substitute appearance in Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest on Saturday was the best learning curve the former Charlton loanee could have.

The 21-year-old was brought on in the 26th minute at Selhurst Park after Jeffrey Schlupp was forced to come off.

Rak-Sakyi registered two shots and gave Forest defender Harry Toffolo numerous problems.

The Southwark-born winger scored 15 goals and picked up eight assists at The Valley last season.

Rak-Sakyi stayed with the Eagles in the summer despite several Championship sides keen on taking the attacker on loan.

“It was a tough game to go into given the situation that he didn’t have a lot of players around him who could have shouldered more of the burden.

“I was pleased with him. He was dangerous, but most importantly, he did his work.

“I know he has this ability, a bit like Michale Olise – they have magical feet and are capable of manipulating the ball.

“I know that’s in his locker, but today we needed more than that.

“We needed a defensive awareness and a desire to do that job, otherwise we would have found ourselves being punished by the spaces he wasn’t able to cover.

“He’s a very skilful player. He’s young, he’s tall and he’s slim – he’s playing against people much older and with more experience.

“He is playing with tension, which you don’t get playing in the academy.

“Today will be a great learning curve for him. He’s had to go in at a difficult time and come off at the end of the game, having done all that has been required of him with a point in the bag.

“That is the best thing we can give him in terms of a learning curve.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD