Journalist Tom Barclay believes it is ‘very odd’ that Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard isn’t getting opportunities at Selhurst Park, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: On the bench

Edouard had been a regular under Patrick Vieira after arriving from Celtic in the summer.

He featured in 21 successive league games before failing to get on against Chelsea last month and then didn’t manage to feature against Burnley or Wolves.

The 24-year-old was also an unused substitute against Stoke City in the FA Cup at the beginning of the month, which has led to Barclay giving his thoughts on the Frenchman.

The Latest: Barclay’s comments

Barclay, talking to GiveMeSport prior to the 0-0 draw with Manchester City, had this to say on the forward.

“It is odd how he’s not getting any kind of look in at the moment. I’ve been trying to find out what the deal is, and I’ve just been told that Vieira is favouring other players, but it does seem odd.

“It’s not so much odd that he’s not starting because I guess he wasn’t giving Vieira what he wanted, but to not bring him on at times when he’s had the chance, he didn’t come on in the FA Cup game when there’s five subs available, it’s very odd.

“I don’t really have any insight on why that is; I imagine it’s frustrating for him at the moment.”

The Verdict: Mateta first choice

Edouard’s absence could purely be down to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s upturn in form, with the Eagles making his loan permanent during the January window.

Mateta appears to be Vieira’s go to striker at this moment in time, becoming a regular in recent weeks with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise on either flank.

Edouard will more than likely get his chance to impress from the off once again, but it’s good to know that the Palace boss now has options in attack.

In other news: 100% duels won, not dribbled past all night, 14 clearances: Palace's 3 best players vs Man City.