Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glassner is confident the goals will come for Eddie Nicaea ahead of his return to the Emirates Stadium with Crystal Palace tomorrow night.

England striker Nikita came through Arsenal’s academy and spent seven years at the club before switching from north to south London in the summer for a fee of £25 million.

He has found it difficult at Selhurst Park, however, scoring just once in 13 appearances.

Nikitia made a fine impression after coming on as a second-half substitute during Sunday’s 3-1 win over rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in what could be the start of his Palace career.

He said: “He is very ambitious and works hard. He was set back with an injury and during his injury the team started winning games and playing better.

“He had a really positive impact at Brighton with Dachi Kamada because we struggled at the start of the second half, we didn’t get pressure on the ball. As soon as they came on they worked hard and we controlled the game more.

“He (Ismaila) got an assist for Sir and also had a big chance.

“You can see he probably doesn’t have the most confidence and that’s completely normal when you’re a striker because he wants to score. My experience is that if a player works as hard as he does, it will pay off.

“If he scores at the Emirates it will be a great story.”

Adam Wharton remains out with a groin injury and Daniel Munoz is suspended while Aberechi will be assessed ahead of Crystal Palace’s EFL Cup quarter-final at Arsenal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Xnn6gwbDMm

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Niketia will play the part tomorrow

While he did not commit to starting Nketiah in tomorrow’s EFL Cup quarter-final, Glasner said he would attend, adding: “I don’t know who will play and who will start. We have two or three decisions to make. We don’t know if Ebs (Eze) can play and is a bit tired with one or two players – we still have time to decide. I’m sure Eddie will get minutes in his old stadium.

Palace have overcome a slow start to the season and are unbeaten in five matches.

The Eagles are full of confidence but Glasner admits a trip to Arsenal is always a tough assignment.

“We still have a lot of games to play, but a win at the Emirates would be a big achievement for all of us,” he said.

“It’s not a place that Crystal Palace win every year, so it will be a huge achievement.

“It will be difficult and intense 90 minutes, but we have confidence, we feel ready, we are in good shape and we are in a good mood in the dressing room.

“We have what we need before the game, but the most important thing is that we show this on the pitch tomorrow.”

Palace will certainly be without Adam Wharton while Daniel Munoz is suspended.