Shaun Wright-Phillips has urged Conor Gallagher to continue with his loan spell while advising the same to fellow Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour.
This season, Conor Gallagher has enjoyed playing attractive football and becoming an important part of Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace side. While the midfielder had several offers during the summer, his gamble to temporarily join Palace from Chelsea seems to have paid off thus far.
Three goals and four assists so far this season earned Gallagher a call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and he made his debut against San Marino last week. The Chelsea loanee’s rise to the top has come as no surprise, as he continues to shine under Vieira at Selhurst Park.
There have been rumours that Chelsea might recall him, as Thomas Tuchel could consider him to become a part of his squad. With Ross Barkley reportedly attracting interest from Premier League clubs like Leeds United, the Blues’ boss might be tempted to replace him with Gallagher.
Similarly, Billy Gilmour over at Norwich City could be called back. As he was not getting too much playing time under former Canaries boss Daniel Farke, his development halted, prompting rumours about a recall. Gilmour has been urged to join Leeds United if he comes back to Chelsea, although his situation might change under new manager Dean Smith.
Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that Gallagher and Gilmour should stay put at their respective clubs, especially the former, who seems to be enjoying his time at Crystal Palace. Speaking to Metro, as quoted by Tribal Football, the former Chelsea winger urged the players to continue with their loan deals.
“If I was either of those two players, especially playing the way that they are both playing. I think the best bet for them personally is to stay where they are. Especially Conor, he’s loved at Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira plays him all the time, he’s doing really really well.”
“He’s getting assists and goals. Billy, since the sacking of the manager and Dean Smith’s gone in, apart from Scotland Billy is playing outstanding well. He played magnificently for Norwich on Saturday.
“The way he plays for Scotland, he’ll fit into a lot of Premier League teams’ starting XI’s every game and possibly some teams’ first name on the team sheet. For me, while they’re playing so well and gaining all this Premier League experience and learning I think they should just stay there and get on with it.”
Only time will tell whether Gallagher decides to stay put at Crystal Palace if Chelsea wish to end his loan deal. The appeal to play for his parent club might be too hard to turn down. However, he is a key figure for Crystal Palace and could well heed Wright-Phillips’s advice.