Palace boss Roy Hodgson hasn’t forgiven Southampton striker for transfer snub

BY SAM SMITH

Roy Hodgson has still not forgiven “natural goalscorer” Danny Ings for signing for Southampton instead of Crystal Palace in 2018.

Ings, 27, was on the Eagles’ radar as they sought to add more goals after Christian Benteke had scored just three times in 2017-18.

Instead, the former Liverpool forward signed for the Saints – initially on loan – before moving permanently last summer.

Palace face Southampton tomorrow having only scored 17 times in 19 games. Ings has netted 11 Premier League goals this campaign.

Hodgson said: “I don’t know if I can really forgive him for not signing for us and then going to Southampton instead. I’ve still got a bee in my bonnet about that one.

“I really admire Danny Ings as a player. He is what you would call a natural goalscorer. His movement in and around the penalty area is very good, when a chance comes his way he has the technique to take the chance.

“He was part of my England squad and was unlucky to have picked up a very nasty injury soon afterwards.”