Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has urged loanee forward Evann Guessand to follow the example of Dwight McNeil after both players were dropped.
Sage left the pair out of the matchday squad for last weekend's 3-2 win against Fulham, publicly questioning their work ethic and stating that both needed to be shaken up.
While McNeil responded positively in training and earned a 15-minute cameo in Tuesday's Carabao Cup victory over Middlesbrough, Guessand has failed to deliver the reaction his manager demanded.
Speaking before Saturday's Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town, Sage expressed frustration with the Ivorian forward, who is currently on loan at Selhurst Park from Aston Villa. Guessand also missed out on playing against Middlesbrough after reporting an injury at the end of the pre-match warm-up.
"He hasn't responded at the level I expect," Sage said with a deep sigh. "He mentioned he was injured at the end of the warm-up for the game on Tuesday, that's why he didn't go on the pitch."
Sage added: "I have to speak to him because we need to find a solution. We need to see the best version of him."
The French manager previously watched Guessand play in France for Ligue 1 clubs Nice and Nantes, where the forward showcased ability beyond his recent output in South London.
"I watched him in France for Nice and Nantes and he's able to do more than he's given us which is why I am really demanding of him," Sage explained. "Sometimes it takes time but at the end everybody will win."
McNeil earns praise after Manchester City setback
In contrast to Guessand, McNeil has successfully worked his way back into Sage's plans after being dropped following a disappointing performance in a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City.
Sage praised the winger's attitude, noting that his 15-minute substitute appearance against Middlesbrough showed significant improvement over his display against Manchester City.
"Dwight's 15 minutes on Tuesday were much better than the minutes against Manchester City and in every session he showed us that he wanted to play," Sage said. "That's a good message and I have received his message."
McNeil's proactive response in training gave Crystal Palace a boost as the club looks to build momentum across domestic competitions.
High standards set for midfielder Adam Wharton
Sage also discussed midfielder Adam Wharton, attributing the youngster's inconsistent start to the season to the extraordinarily high standards placed upon him.
The Palace boss revealed that he demands more from Wharton than most of his teammates because he believes the midfielder has the potential to become recognised as one of the world's best.
"My main objective with him is to get him a step higher than he is today. That's why maybe he is in a period where things are not stable," Sage said.
Sage recalled a productive conversation with Wharton during pre-season where ambitious targets were established to push his development.
"In a few games, it will be better. I had a good conversation with him in pre-season where I set his objectives really high and will push him to reach them," Sage said.
"I'm really confident because he's a smart player, he understands the play and the importance of training well every day," he added.
The manager emphasised that Wharton remains in a learning process, pointing out that despite already being considered a wonderful player, there is still a gap in his potential.
"There's a gap in his potential and he can play better than he has played. He played really good but he can become recognised all over the world," Sage concluded.
