Roy Hodgson comments may discourage Crystal Palace World Cup hero Nya Kirby

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Crystal Palace youngster Nya Kirby helped England win the Under-17 World Cup in India this weekend.

Crystal Palace youngster Nya Kirkby will be on top of the world right now, having just helped England to an historic Under-17 World Cup triumph.

The Young Lions came from two goals down to beat Spain 5-2 in Saturday’s final in India, with midfielder Kirby making four appearances throughout the tournament.

However, the 17-year-old may be discouraged by Roy Hodgson’s admission to The Croydon Advertiser that there is unlikely to be a pathway for him into the first team this season.

While he spoke with genuine delight about the success of Kirby and the entire England squad, Hodgson suggested that it would be too big of a risk to throw in the teenager in Palace’s current predicament – the Eagles are rock bottom of the Premier League table with four points from 10 games.

Nya Kirby standing for the England national anthem prior to an England U18 match vs. South Africa

“It is brilliant,” he is quoted by The Croydon Advertiser quotes him as saying. “I haven’t as yet been able to look down to the U17 level to see what’s there.

“I doubt we could throw one into our situation at the moment but I’m delighted for him.

“It’s good reward for the work that has been going on at St George’s Park for a long time. All the age groups have done well. Hats off to Nya, I look forward to congratulating him when he gets back. I will of course keep a close interest in him.”

Hodgson’s reluctance is understandable, but that he has ruled out a Palace U17 breaking through without having seen them play will surely discourage the young lads.

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho, who was also a part of the victorious England squad, has just made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund.

And Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told The Mirror that Phil Foden – another one of Kirby’s international teammates – is being integrated into his first-team squad.

If it is good enough for those European giants, perhaps Hodgson should have greater faith in the youth at his disposal. His more senior players aren’t exactly doing the job.