Patrick Vieira calls for 'more respect' for African Cup of Nations: 'It's as big as the Euros'

"I would never stop a player going to the competition," Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira told the BBC about the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"I believe that the competition needs to be more respected.

"That competition is as big as the European Championship."

Crystal Palace will lose Wilfried Zaha, Cheikou Kouyate and Jordan Ayew to AFCON in January.