Friday 4 March 2016 23:39, UK
Connor Wickham is a doubt for Crystal Palace's Super Sunday game at home to Liverpool.
Palace's in-form striker has four goals in two games, but injured a thigh during Tuesday night's draw at Sunderland.
Manager Alan Pardew will make a late decision on Wickham and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who also has an unspecified problem.
"Connor Wickham has been terrific," Pardew said. "Unfortunately, he's got a knock so he needs a scan today [Friday]. He's not been ruled out.
"We thought it might just be a bang but it could be more serious than that, he is probably touch and go for Sunday.
"The four goals he got were fabulous, he showed his technique is sound, left foot, right foot, pace, holding up, he's got it all there, but he's had a fragmented season.
"If he misses out on Sunday, this is the type of situation we've got to address next year, where he can play week-in, week-out.
"If he misses this Sunday, it is a blow to us but for his part, he has been terrific. It looks good going forward; he is only 22.
"Wayne Hennessey is also struggling and that's something we'll look at at the 11th hour again."
Pardew also said Wickham will need to prove he can score consistently for Palace before he can be considered for England, but believes the in-form hitman has the attributes to reach the top
Wickham has represented England at numerous age groups, including winning 17 caps for the Under-21s, but has yet to feature for the senior side.
Asked if Wickham was also ready for an England berth, given teenage Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is being linked with a possible place in Roy Hodgson's squad having scored just four senior goals, Pardew said: "Personally I don't think Rashford is ready for England's full squad. It's a significant jump.
"But Connor needs to secure a first-team position here. Nail it down, get 15 goals under his belt soon in one of these seasons, then you have to look at him because the size of him, his pace for a big man, the technical quality.
"I've managed Andy Carroll and I'd put Andy Carroll way above where Connor is (for English target-men) because you need to have an inner confidence to play for England.
"You've got to turn up and face 25 of your peers that have all been playing for England and know how to play. You have to bridge that gap.
"I'd like to think that Connor one day could be an England player. But he needs to have a couple of good seasons."
