Connor Wickham feels he is now physically ready to bring the goals – and a “different”, “physical” element – that Crystal Palace need in order to stay up. The striker is working himself back into fitness after knee problems and other injuries have heavily curtailed his appearances since joining the club in 2015.
That comes at a time when Palace’s problems in front of goal have been made all too clear, having only scored five at home this season, and Roy Hodgson has admitted he is in the market for a striker. Wickham came on in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, for what was just his third league appearance of 2018. He did miss a late chance, but instantly gave Palace an outlet.
“That’s what I can bring to the game, to the side, a physical element, more of a focal target point,” Wickham said.
“I bring a different element to the game. Wilf [Zaha] and Andros [Townsend] are lightning quick and they’ll cause any defence in the league problems. I’m a different kind of threat to them. We’ve got ammunition. We’ve got great players in every position. If we can utilise ourselves and adapt to who is on the pitch we’ll become a better team.”
Asked about his fitness after so much frustration, and whether he is ready to actually start, Wickham said: “I’m getting there. I’m starting to get minutes on the pitch. I’m back in the view of the manager on the pitch, on the main stage. I think you find out a lot about players in games; completely different to training. I’ve got sharpness to gain, but I’m also feeling good.
“You’ll have to ask the manager [if he’s ready to start]. It’s his decision. I’ll always feel like I’m ready. It’s down to the manager. If he chooses me, then I’ll be there. Ninety minutes is a different question, but to start a game I’d be fine.
“I’ve not really set myself any targets this year. Every year I say ‘this year is my year’. In the season it’s just about now staying fit, being in the manager’s eye and being available for selection. Hopefully that’s what I’ll achieve.”
Wickham did miss that chance against Chelsea, but feels more precision will come with time.
“I didn’t realise it was such a good chance. It hit my neck and was a bouncing ball. I’ve just got to get there before him. Hopefully that will come with a bit more game time. And hopefully one will hit the back of the net sooner than later.”
