Allardyce wants a Palace penalty taker to step forward

Newly-appointed Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is considering axing star striker Christian Benteke from penalty duties ahead of this weekend’s trip to Arsenal.

The Belgian striker missed his second spot kick of the season against Watford on Boxing Day, prompting Allardyce into a rethink over the festive period.

The former England boss has ruled over penalty takers in training ahead of the clash at Arsenal, having asked those who would be confident enough to step up and have a go.

“I have no idea who will take one  if we get one,” said Allardyce.

“We’ll think about that on Saturday when we’re practicing. The first thought is what team can be available with the injuries we have, as we’re in a difficult position.

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“Once we’ve decided that and what team we’ve picked, we’ll talk about the penalty situation from there on if we get one. Let’s hope we get one.

“I haven’t spoken to Christian about them. When we’ve made the decision, we’ll go on the training ground, talk about penalties, and if Christian’s the one to take penalties then we’ll maybe talk about what he’s thinking then.

“I’ll make the decision then. And who is going to put their hand up? I might just say ‘who fancies taking a penalty?’. And if they put their hand up in the first place then that’s what you want to see.

“I think Christian would be one to put his hand up, but I don’t know him well enough yet. He probably would do and say he wants to put it right.

“But in the end we’re missing too many penalties and the next one we need to make sure we score it.

“It cost us a couple of points at Watford on Boxing Day.”