Christian Benteke’s younger brother Jonathan could play for Crystal Palace against Middlesbrough tomorrow.
Jonathan joined Palace from Belgian side Zulte Waregem last week and Alan Pardew has turned to the 21-year-old striker after Loic Remy was ruled out for two months.
Palace signed Jonathan, a free agent who managed two goals in 17 games last season, following a recommendation from his brother.
It was suggested Jonathan was brought in to help Christian settle at Selhurst Park after his £27million move from Liverpool but he is now back-up to his brother. Pardew has fast-tracked Jonathan into his first-team squad with Palace short on forwards.
Remy, on loan from Chelsea, is expected to be out until November with a thigh injury and Fraizer Campbell is also sidelined. The other option for Pardew is Connor Wickham.
“Jonathan is a young striker with natural talent and they are not easy to find,” said Pardew. “He might surprise one or two.
“This one was because of Christian, he highlighted him to us. We checked him out and liked the look of him.”
Crystal Palace's injury list
Jonathan was not registered in Palace’s 25-man Premier League squad but he can play because he is not over the age of 21. His former club want a small compensation fee, thought to be around £85,000, following his move to Palace.
“It was not a big fee so he comes here under no pressure,” said Pardew. “His brother is a top-line player and Jonathan is not there yet. He would readily admit that. He is very enthusiastic and has settled in very well.”
