November 21 2012

Yannick Bolasie

YANNICK BOLASIE's agent has confirmed the Crystal Palace winger won't play at next year's African Cup of Nations.

The French-born winger is eligible for DR Congo and a call-up to the squad for the tournament would have meant him missing Palace's January fixtures.

His absence would have been a blow for Palace with the former Bristol City ace playing a starring role since joining at the start of the season.

BOLASIE, who is the cousin of current international Lomana Lua Lua, will instead focus on helping the table-topping Eagles win promotion.

"No he won't be playing for DR Congo at the African Cup of Nations next year," his agent Tony Finnigan confirmed to Sky Sports.

"He is interested and is flattered by the interest from DR Congo, but he has just moved to Palace, is enjoying his football and wants to concentrate on them for now.

"It is something he will look at, but he will not be going to South Africa - it is not the right time for him."