Wing wizard Michael Olise showed why he is in England’s sights with his double against Brentford… and underlined Crystal Palace’s players’ respect for Roy Hodgson in stunning performance
- Michael Olise could play for England, Nigeria or Algeria at international level
- Roy Hodgson backed him for an international career after scoring against Brentford
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Support for Roy Hodgson may be waning in some sectors at Crystal Palace, but not in the dressing room.
There have been times when the opposite has been the case for a Palace manager, most recently in Patrick Vieira's final days before his sacking in March.
Behind-the-scenes issues could influence key decision-makers such as Palace chairman Steve Parish.
But his players' support for the respected Hodgson was underlined by the result and performance against Brentford.
Striker Jordan Ayew said: 'The whole squad and the club are behind Roy and his staff and he knows that. That's why he's so calm, because he knows he has everyone's support and that results will come.”
Michael Olise's star performance against Brentford showed why he is in England's sights
Roy Hodgson eased the pressure on his own position thanks to goals from Olise and Eberechi Eze. Later, he was confident that Olise would enter the international stage
The result at Selhurst Park ended Palace's run of eight games without a win and put a winning smile back on faces.
Against Brentford it was only the third time that Hodgson was able to start both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, who combined to score Palace's three goals.
Getting Olise to sign a new four-year contract with two goals after interest from Chelsea was a crucial part of the club's move in August.
That feeling has only been reinforced by his form since returning from a hamstring injury in November: five goals and one assist in nine games.
Olise suffered his injury while playing for France Under-21s but is not yet officially committed to any country.
He is in England's sights and is also eligible for Nigeria and Algeria.
Former England manager Hodgson said: 'I think he has an international career ahead of him but it will be up to him which country he wants to play for.'