Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson ‘taken unwell’ and forced to miss crunch Aston Villa clash as club send best wishes

ROY HODGSON will miss Crystal Palace’s clash with Aston Villa through illness.

Palace travel to Villa Park this afternoon looking to pick up their third win of the new Premier League season.

GETTYRoy Hodgson will miss Crystal Palace’s match with Aston Villa[/caption]

AlamyThe 76-year-old Eagles boss will miss the match through illness[/caption]

But they will have to do it without their gaffer, who was taken ill this afternoon.

Assistant manager Paddy McCarthy will fill in for former England manager Hodgson along with Ray Lewington.

A club statement read: “Unfortunately Roy Hodgson was taken unwell earlier today and is not at Villa Park.

“Roy is in contact with Paddy McCarthy, who will take the team today assisted by Ray Lewington.

“Roy sent his best wishes to the team ahead of the match.

“We send our very best wishes to Roy.”

It’s unclear what illness has prevented Hodgson, 76, from fulfilling touchline duties.

Eagles fans were quick to send their well wishes to their gaffer upon learning of his absence.

GETTYAssistant manager Paddy McCarthy will fill in for Roy Hodgson[/caption]

One of the Selhurst Park faithful tweeted: “Get well soon Boss.”

Another said: “Thoughts are with Roy.”

And another said: “Our hearts are with him.”

One remarked: “Thoughts are with Roy.”

Another chimed in: “Our hearts are with him.”

Hodgson’s Eagles are flying high in seventh in the Premier League table following two wins and two draws.

They went into the international break with a thrilling 3-2 win over Wolves at Selhurst Park.