Support for Roy Hodgson may have been receding in some sectors at Crystal Palace, but not in the dressing room.
There have been times when the opposite has been the case for a Palace manager, most recently in Patrick Vieira’s final days before his dismissal in March.
Trouble behind the scenes can influence key decision-makers such as Palace chairman Steve Parish.
Striker Jordan Ayew said: ‘All the squad and the club are behind Roy and his staff and he knows it. That is why he is so calm because he knows he has the backing of everyone and results will come.’
Michael Olise’s starring performance against Brentford showed why he is in England’s sights
Roy Hodgson alleviated of some pressure on his own position thanks to Olise and Eberechi Eze’s goals. He was later full of confidence that Olise will crack the international stage
The outcome at Selhurst Park ended Palace’s eight-game run without a victory and put a winning smile back on faces again.
Against Brentford it was just the third time Hodgson has been able to start both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, who scored Palace’s three goals between them.
Getting two-goal winger Olise to sign a new four-year deal following interest from Chelsea was a crucial piece of business by the club in August.
That feeling has only been heightened by his form since his return from a hamstring injury in November – five goals and one assist in nine games.
Olise suffered his injury playing for France Under 21s but is yet to be officially tied to any country.
He is in England’s sights and also eligible for Nigeria and Algeria.
Former England manager Hodgson said: ‘I think he’s got an international career in front of him but it’ll be up to him which country he wants to play for.’
