Report: Vieira has picked his Crystal Palace No.2, he transformed football in his homeland

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According to The Sun, Patrick Vieira is set to bring Osian Roberts to Selhurst Park as his No.2 after replacing Roy Hodgson.

What’s the story?

Well, on his first day of pre-season training in Beckenham, Vieira was assisted by Paddy McCarthy and Shaun Derry.

The pair took time out of their work with the academy prospects to aid the Frenchman while he searches for a full-time assistant.

Now, it seems Vieira has found his man in Roberts.

The former Wales Under-16 boss is currently working as Director of Football at the Moroccan FA.

However, he has spent plenty of time out on the training pitch with Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs in the Wales setup.

Who is Osian Roberts?

You might now know much about Roberts, seeing as he’s often been in the shadows throughout his career in football.

However, you’ll be relieved to know that he’s received glowing reports from his colleagues in football.

Training Ground Guru spoke to David Adams, who played assistant to Roberts in the Wales Under-16 setup.

Adams described Roberts as someone who has ‘transformed’ football in Wales over the last 12 years, which is quite a bold claim.

He said: “Osian has been a incredible coach, educator and strategic leader. He has transformed Welsh football in the last 12 years.”

Also within TGG‘s article, Roberts himself admits that someone once called him the most influential man in Welsh football.

Now, this should excite Crystal Palace fans.

Wales have gone from a nation who never qualified for international tournaments, to one who reached the semi-finals of EURO 2016.

If Roberts really was responsible for that, Vieira has identified a brilliant assistant.