Conor Gallagher has struggled at Chelsea this season
(Picture: Getty Images)Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has backed Conor Gallagher to force his way into the first-team picture at Chelsea.
The midfielder enjoyed a productive loan spell at Selhurst Park last season, breaking into the England squad off the back of some thoroughly impressive performances.
Palace were keen to sign the 22-year-old on a permanent basis this summer, hoping to persuade him into a move by offering regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup.
Gallagher, however, remained at Stamford Bridge and has since suffered a difficult start to the season.
Sent off against Leicester, his dismissal came after a poor performance in the loss away at Leeds in August.
As a result, Gareth Southgate did not select Gallagher in his most recent England squad, the final one before this winter’s tournament in Qatar.
Still, Vieira has tipped the midfielder to “keep fighting” at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Selhurst Park, the Palace boss said: “I don’t have any doubt about the reception he will receive.
“It’s been challenging for him because he hasn’t played as much as he was expecting. He has to keep fighting & showing the manager that he wants to get into the team."
