'I will never stop any player from playing AFCON' - Crystal Palace manager Vieira on losing Jordan Ayew

• Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has said he will not prevent his African players including Jordan Ayew from playing the nations cup
• The former France player insists the Africa Cup of Nations deserves some respect and it is equivalent to the European championships
• Jordan Ayew has been named in coach Milovan Rajevac's 30-man provisional squad for the tournament in January

Jordan Ayew of Ghana wont be stopped from joining his teammates for next year's Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, according to his Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira.

Clubs and players as well as their national teams have been at cross roads over letting their players leave for the tournament in the middle of the season.

However, in Palace's pre-match conference against Tottenham, Vieira stated how important the competition is for Africans and the need to see their stars in January and February.

Some performance from Ayew today' - Crystal Palace reacts to Jordan's display against Everton

Football

"I respect and understand the passion and the importance to players to go and represent their country so I will never stop any player going to play the Africa Cup of Nations," Vieira said.

"I believe that that competition needs to be more respected - because this competition is as important as the European Championships."

Vieira will not only be missing Jordan Ayew but winger Wilfried Zaha and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.

Jordan Ayew is an important member of the Black Stars and remains the main target man for the team.

He is expected to join his teammates in Qatar after the match against Tottenham in the English Premier League.

Aew has also been pivotal in the Eagle's campaign this season as they lie 11th on the league log and hoping to avoid a drop.

Jordan Ayew nets first goal of the season

Earlier, SportsBrief.com reported that, Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew has dedicated what is his first goal in 403 days, to his family, manager Patrick Vieira, and fans for their support.

Jordan Ayew ends 43-game goal drought after netting in Crystal Palace's draw against Southampton

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The 30-year-old attacker, whose goal ensured Crystal Palace retained a point at home to Southampton, said he knew his goal would come eventually.

Jordan Ayew latched on to a lose ball in a tight angle on the right hand side of the goal in the 65th minute to score for Patrick Vieira's men as they drew level for a 2:2 score line.