‘Chelsea players showed their class’ – Vieira on support shown to Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell

ANDREW MCSTEEN

In attempting to dribble the ball out of defence midway through the second half of the FA Cup semi-final between against Chelsea on Sunday, Crystal Palace defender Tyrick Mitchell lost possession.

Eventually the ball would end up at the feet of former Eagles loanee Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who slotted home the first of Chelsea’s two goals in their 2-0 win at Wembley.

By the time Eagles’ manager Patrick Vieira had made it over to console the recent England debutant at the end of the game, players from both sides had already done the same.

It left Vieira in no doubt that the former Brentford academy player will only grow from the experience at Wembley.

“Chelsea players showed their class,” said the Palace boss, acknowledging the opposition support for his player. “But this is a process which young players have to go through. It’s about how Tyrick will bounce back.”

Vieira also revealed that the left-back has already exceeded expectations this season and with no question marks about his performances for the remainder of the season.

“He’s doing above what we were expecting,” said Vieira. “I’m really satisfied with his performances in this football club so far and he will progress.

“Sometimes to progress you have to go through those difficult periods, but he’s surrounded by players, management, football club staff and fans who want him to do well and there’s no doubt about him playing or not, he will be fine.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD