ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery has named his son Lander on the bench for the final game of the season.
Villa have already booked their spot in next season’s Champions League and travel to Crystal Palace today with a fourth place finish secured.
And amid an injury crisis, Emery has taken the chance to name his 21-year-old son in the matchday squad.
Lander is a goalkeeper, who has played six times in the Premier League 2 this season.
He has conceded 15 goals this term and kept one clean sheet.
Lander was once on the books of Valencia – before moving to Villa in January this year on a free transfer.
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The boss’ son got a hug from director of football Monchi before going into the dressing room ahead of kick-off.
Lander finds himself on the bench today alongside several of his youth-team pals, with many of the club’s senior players out injured.
Emi Martinez, Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash, Nicolo Zaniolo and Morgan Rogers are all currently in the treatment room.
And the bench instead includes teenagers Finley Munroe, Omari Kellyman and Kaden Young.
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No2 keeper Robin Olsen starts between the sticks and Calum Chambers makes his first Premier League start this year.
Should the Swedish stopper pick up an injury, Lander may still not appear as third choice goalkeeper Joe Gauci is also among the subs.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk