COACH REP BRIT POOR

C Palace v Brighton Sky Sports, Tomorrow, 7.45pm

BRIGHTON boss Graham Potter fears the lowly reputation of English coaches abroad could prevent others from following in his and Roy Hodgson’s footsteps.

Potter (above) headed to Ostersunds in Sweden to launch his managerial career, while veteran Crystal Palace boss Hodgson, 72, began his coaching journey down the road at Halmstad.

Hodgson has gone on to coach in eight different countries, as well as managing England, while Potter, 44, returned home to boss Swansea and now Albion.

But, as the pair come face to face at Selhurst Park tomorrow, Potter is worried the same journey may not be open to other young English coaches.

He said: “Rightly or wrongly, the perception in Europe of English coaches isn’t so positive. So I’m not sure how many opportunities there will be.

“But I would recommend it, 100 per cent. What you can learn by coaching abroad is massive.”

Potter was working in university football when he got his big break abroad – and quickly found it beneficial.

He said: “I left England when I was 36, thinking I knew stuff, thinking the world was what it is here in England.

“Then suddenly you live somewhere else and realise they have a different view of the world.

“That, even just on a human level, is a great opportunity. It’s a gift to have that experience and to see football and life through a different lens.

“The more players you can work with from different backgrounds, different lives, different countries, the better.

“Roy has shown what can be achieved. I have huge admiration for him. He’s an example for any young coach that wants to build and sustain a career.”

Brighton will give a late fitness test to striker Aaron Connolly, who has a groin injury, before naming their squad to face Palace.

Dale Stephens (suspended) and Solly March (groin) are both definitely out.

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