Crystal Palace boss gives verdict on Tyrick Mitchell’s first Premier League start

Roy Hodgson had nothing but praise for Tyrick Mitchell as the young defender made his first Premier League start for Crystal Palace in tonight’s 2-0 loss at Wolves.

The 20-year-old replaced Patrick van Aanholt (dislocated shoulder) in the starting line up and had a huge challenge up against the hosts’ powerful star winger Adama Traore.

Hodgson said it was always his plan to bring Mitchell into his side.

The youngster’s previous two appearances had been as a late substitute against Leicester City and Manchester United earlier this month.

Hodgson said: “I didn’t want to necessarily give that information out [that Mitchell was going to start]. I thought the opposition might target him even more if they knew that a young lad was making his full debut against one of the best players on the field.

“Unfortunately for us he [Traore] had a very, very good evening.

“I’m full of praise for his [Mitchell’s] performance. He was excellent today. He must be delighted to have got through that game as he did, albeit on the wrong end of a scoreline that he could not have done any better than he did – to the extent that I can’t say that his playing instead of Patrick van Aanholt was the difference between us winning or losing.”