Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira believes Marc Guehi’s England call-up will help him grow as a player

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has said that he believes Marc Guehi’s international call-up will play a significant role in his development.

Guehi played for Championship side Swansea last season on loan, before leaving Chelsea permanently to join the Eagles last summer.

The 21-year-old had an instant impact upon arriving at Selhurst Park and his performances have now earned him an England call-up.

The Three Lions will play their international friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast at Wembley Stadium on March 26 and March 29 respectively.

Former Arsenal captain Vieira is extremely happy with the call-up for Guehi.

“It is really good news. We are really pleased, we are really happy for him. He’s been working hard and working well,” said Vieira.

“To have the call was the target, that was his ambition. We are really pleased for him. As a football club we are proud, of course.

“We see Marc coming and going game after game, and being stronger – and being captain in the last couple of games, taking responsibility.

“He is doing really well and that call will help him to grow as a player and believe more in himself.

“We are really happy for what he has been doing for the football club.”

Guehi will be joining his club team-mate Conor Gallagher in the England squad.

Gallagher made his debut against San Marino last November.

Vieira is hoping to guide Palace into the semi-finals of the FA Cup this weekend, as they face a home tie against Everton in the quarter-finals.

“There is no time to relax,” Vieira said, “This is a huge game for us and we want to do well, to go as far as we can.

“We are really close to the semi-final, with a home tie to give ourselves the best chance to go to the next round.

“It’s a really exciting game and it’s going to be exciting for Everton as well.

“They’re one game from Wembley and we know how difficult it’ll be, especially after the win they had yesterday.

“We know how they are as a team and it will be difficult, but we’re ready for it.

“There’s a long way to go so for us the conversation is about how well we need to perform to give ourselves the best chance to get through.

“We’re going to play a strong team and want to go to the semi-final.”