Morrison urges Palace starlets to stay at Selhurst Park and learn their trade

Last updated at 10:29 27 December 2007


Clinton Morrison wants Crystal Palace's crop of exciting superkids to reject moves to the Premier League next month — for the sakes of their careers.

Selhurst starlets, such as John Bostock, 15, and Sean Scannell, 17, are reportedly being eyed by a number of top-flight scouts.

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John Bostock

But Morrison, who scored his eighth goal in nine games to help Palace to a 2-0 victory at Coventry yesterday, said: "I've taken a few of the young boys under my wing and just tried to tell them what is what. I remember when I was

coming through I had a few of the older pros encouraging me and it did me good.

"We must have some of the best young players in the country and the club could potentially find it hard to keep hold of them because I'm sure a lot of the big boys will try to come and get them next month.

"But I would tell them to stay at Palace and learn their trade with the club in the Championship for now. They can always look at the situation later and see where the club is before making decisions about their futures."

Scannell was outstanding on his full debut for Palace and Morrison said: "Sean was brilliant, a breath of fresh air. He didn't know he was playing until we got to the ground, but showed electric pace against some quality defenders."

Despite his excellent display, Scannell was still made to carry bags of footballs from the away dressing room to the team bus, and, to his credit, he did not complain.

The teen even thanked the stewards for holding the doors open for him and wished them a happy Christmas as he left the stadium.

Morrison opened the scoring at Coventry, managed by former Palace boss Iain Dowie, in the 47th minute when he slotted home after a free-kick from Ben Watson.

Eagles keeper Julian Speroni then saved a 59th-minute penalty from Michael Doyle before substitute Paul Ifill made it 2-0 with his first touch two minutes from time.

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