Crystal Palace goalkeeper Owen Goodman has stated that he is leaving his options for international football open and will not mind taking up an invite from Nigeria if it comes.
The 17-year-old goalkeeper, who in July signed a pro-contract with English Premier League side Crystal Palace, made it clear that it will be “who gives me the opportunity (of international football) first.”
“For me, it is who gives me the opportunity first,” Goodman told journalists during a zoom meeting this week.
Goodman, whose father is English and mother is Nigerian, is eligible to play for Nigeria, Canada and England.
When prodded about taking up an invite from Nigeria’s under-20s since he falls within the age category, Goodman responded saying: “Definitely, I’ll be interested in taking up an invite from Nigeria though I have other options (being Canada and England).”
Already, Goodman has been called up by England’s U18s earlier this year.
Despite Goodman’s interest in pulling on Nigeria’s green and white colours, the Palace custodian revealed that he has not received any direct contact from the football federation of the African nation.
“There has been no direct contact from the Nigeria FA,” he said.
LIFE AT CRYSTAL PALACE
Goodman has been at the Premier League side for four-and-a-half years and is happy with his progress so far.
However, Goodman who made five appearances for the U18s of Crystal Palace last term, is keen on getting more games under his belt this season.
He added that he is open to the option to going on loan if the need arises to develop his game further.
“Right now, I am looking at getting minutes this season and next season may be a loan move to play immense football,” he said.
TRAINING UNDER PATRICK VIEIRA’S WATCH
Fortunately for Goodman, the pro-contract handed to him by Palace comes at a time when Frenchman and former Arsenal man Patrick Vieira is in charge as manager.
The Palace young goalkeeper, who admires Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and his Palace teammate Jack Butland, is “hoping to be part” of Vieira’s plans for the future having trained under him.
“Training with Vieira is good for me and I am hoping to be part of his plans in the future,” Goodman said.
George Akpayen
