Patrick Vieira has hailed Neal Maupay as a clinical No.9 ahead of Albion's trip to Crystal Palace.

Maupay could be set for a shoot-out between former France under-21 strikers with Odsonne Edouard fit to start for Palace on Monday.

Eagles boss Vieira, formerly in charge at OGC Nice, is a big fan of Maupay, who grew up and started his professional career in the Mediterranean city.

Vieria said today: “Maupay, I believe is a really clinical No.9. He has a lot of energy up front and is a really good finisher but the strength of this team is their collective game.

“When they have the ball, they are really close to each other and their passing, movement, it is really good.

"We expect obviously a tough, challenging game because they are playing at the moment with a lot of confidence.”

Edouard scored twice off the bench against depleted Tottenham after his move south from Celtic.

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But Vieira urged patience with the £15 million forward.

He said: “Yes, I think he has been fit and is ready to start a game.

“It is just moving to a different country and moving to the Premier League, he needs time to adapt.

“We will take our time to make him feel comfortable in the club, in the way we want to play but he is physically and mentally ready to start the game.

“I am pleased and happy with him. He came on, scored those two goals and came on against Liverpool and created a couple of situations.

“He is a player who needs to adapt himself to the Premier League and to the club but he is working well.

"I think he gives me one more option up front about who to select for the game.”

Edouard could face his former Celtic colleague Shane Duffy, who looks certain to start for the Seagulls.