Ex-Man Utd goalkeeper Sam Johnstone hopes to return from injury in time for season after Crystal Palace free transfer
GOALKEEPER Sam Johnstone hopes to be back in full training at Crystal Palace in time for the start of the season.
Johnstone damaged a quad muscle soon after joining from West Brom.
But the 29-year-old is hopeful of making it for Palace’s opening games against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Johnstone joined the Eagles on a free transfer last month.
The upcoming campaign will be just his second in the Premier League.
But despite that, Johnstone still has three England caps to his name.
And the stopper will be hoping regular top-flight action will help seal his seat on the plane for this winter’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Palace new boy Malcolm Ebiowei has impressed Patrick Vieira so much that the manager has blocked a loan exit.
The skilful wideman, 18, signed from Derby, has walked into the team and been dazzling in top company.
So the Eagles have shelved plans to send him on loan for experience as they see him getting game time in the Premier League.
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Palace will let outstanding kid David Ozoh go on loan after also emerging in pre-season.
The powerful midfield prospect, 17, is fancied by Charlton among others.
SunSport also exclusively revealed last week that Oxford and MK Dons are battling for Rak Sakyi.