Scott Banks made a memorable return to the Crystal Palace under-21 team as he scored a superb goal in their Premier League International Cup final against PSV Eindhoven. The Scot, who just finished his loan spell with League Two side Bradford City, marked his comeback with a stunning curling finish that found the top corner of the net. The winger was pleased with his contribution but was not very satisfied with the outcome of the game. Eindhoven scored twice in extra-time to clinch a 3-1 victory in front of a 5,941-strong crowd at Selhurst Park.
Banks’ loan spell at Bradford proved to be a crucial learning experience for the 19-year-old winger. He scored an important goal against Sutton United in November, which helped the Bantams secure a 1-0 away victory. Banks’ impressive performances in League Two prompted Palace to recall him early from his loan stint at Bradford. He is now hoping to make an impression in the under-21 team and eventually break into the Palace first-team.
Banks was just eighteen when he made his senior debut for Dundee United in a Scottish League Cup game against Cowdenbeath in 2018. He continued to feature for the first team, making a total of 36 appearances and scoring two goals in his two years at the club. Banks was signed by Crystal Palace in January 2020 and was immediately loaned out to League Two side, Clyde, where he played five games before returning to Palace due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Premier League International Cup is an annual tournament that features some of the best under-21 teams from Europe. It was created in 2014 to provide young players with the opportunity to showcase their skills against top opposition. The tournament features a group stage followed by knockout rounds, and the final is held at a neutral venue. In the past, the Cup has been won by teams such as Porto, Villarreal, and Bayern Munich.
Banks’ performance in the final will have caught the eye of Palace manager Roy Hodgson, who has a reputation for giving young players a chance. Palace have a strong youth academy, and their U-21 team has produced several players who have gone on to play for the first team. Banks will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of players such as Wilfred Zaha, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Tyrick Mitchell.
In conclusion, Scott Banks’ return to the Palace U-21 team was marked by a stunning goal in the Premier League International Cup final. Banks impressed with his skills and creativity on the field, and his performance will have earned him plaudits from the Palace coaching staff. The young Scot will be hoping to build on his performance in the final and break into the Palace first-team in the near future.
