---
title: "Connor Wickham adresses first-team hopes after goalscoring return"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2018/10/13/connor-wickham-adresses-first-team-hopes-after-goalscoring-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2018-10-13T11:37:21Z"
modified: "2018-10-13T11:37:21Z"
---

# Connor Wickham adresses first-team hopes after goalscoring return

After suffering a series of major injuries, Crystal Palace striker Connor Wickham is hoping to catch the eye of manager Roy Hodgson, [football.london](https://www.football.london/crystal-palace-fc/players/connor-wickham-outlines-hopes-palace-15272889) report.

Wickham’s return for Palace could be a major boost for the Eagles following the injury to Christian Benteke.

The Belgian forward has undergone knee surgery this week and is likely to be out of action for a ‘long time’, according to boss Hodgson.

Wickham on the other hand is on the way back and put in an impressive performance against Dulwich Hamlet in a 5-0 win, capping his return with a thumping header from a corner.

The 24-year-old, who last featured for Palace back in 2016, has endured a series of serious injuries, with various setbacks keeping him out towards the end of last season and during pre-season over the summer.

![Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readcrystalpalace.com/readcrystalpalace/sites/17/2018/10/1008751978.jpg)

However, talking after his goal against Dulwich Hamlet in a fundraising friendly, Wickham addressed the possibility of returning to the first-team.

> We have got strength in depth, but we need everyone out fit and to be training every day, and giving the manager a few headaches.

> For me, personally, it is about my consistent training and whatever comes will come, and I have just got to be patient.

> It is about being ready for training every day, being there and in the manager’s eyesight, and making sure that when the time comes, he can’t say no.