Crystal Palace have recalled winger Sullay Kaikai from his loan spell at League One club Shrewsbury Town.

The 20-year-old has been a key player for the Shrews this season, but has been called back to the Eagles a week early having helped the Shropshire side secure their League One status.

Kaikai has had two spells at Shrewsbury this season; the first coming between September and December before he was originally recalled by Eagles boss Alan Pardew to add strength to a depleted squad over the Christmas period.

However, Kaikai picked up a hamstring injury upon his return, and was therefore unable to make an appearance for the Premier League outfit before being sent back to Micky Mellon’s side for the remainder of the campaign.

In total, the forward made 29 appearances for Shrewsbury, scoring 12 goals.

Kaikai was a huge success during his time in Shropshire, scoring 12 goals as Shrewsbury avoided the drop | Photo: cpfc.co.uk
Kaikai was a huge success during his time in Shropshire, scoring 12 goals as Shrewsbury avoided the drop | Photo: cpfc.co.uk

Loan spells have aided Kaikai's development

Having progressed through the Eagles’ youth system after being signed as a 15-year-old, Kaikai spent the second-half of the 2013/14 season on-loan at Crawley Town with fellow academy midfielder Hiram Boateng. The move was unsuccessful for both players and they returned to Palace to play for Gary Issott’s Under-21 side.

A goal-scoring first team debut against Newcastle United in the League Cup earned Kaikai a loan spell at Cambridge United last season where he impressed, scoring 12 goals in 31 appearances and winning both clubs’ respective Young Player of the Year award.

However, it has been this current campaign where Kaikai has excelled. After appearing regularly in pre-season, as well as on the bench in the League Cup tie against Shrewsbury, he moved on loan to the Shropshire side and became an integral part of Mellon’s team as they survived the drop in the third tier of English football.

It is expected that Kaikai will feature in some part of the Eagles’ two remaining Premier League games against Stoke City and Southampton as Pardew plans ahead for the club’s first FA Cup final in 26 years.

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About the author
Sam Smith
VAVEL UK sub-editor. Premier League and Football League accredited journalist.