Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira insists Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher is enjoying his time at Selhurst Park.
The 22-year-old midfielder scored the second goal in Palace’s 4-1 victory over Watford as the Eagles registered their first league win of 2022.
Gallagher has been a revelation on loan at Selhurst Park this termGETTY
He’s technically the highest-scoring Chelsea player in the Premier League this season with eight goals even though he’s yet to make a competitive appearance for the Blues.
It’s been suggested Gallagher could stay at Palace beyond this season but Vieira kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the player’s future.
“We honestly didn’t speak about it,” Vieira told journalists. “We know that we will have him for the year and you never know what can happen.
“Conor, I believe when you are looking at the way he is playing, is really happy in our football club.
“He knows how important he is for the team and the football club. He is enjoying his game. For a player like that, what is important is to keep playing week after week because that will allow him to improve.
“I think we give him the support he needs for him to be on the field and to express his talent.”
Vieira would gladly have Gallagher extend his stay at PalaceGetty
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Gallagher is Palace’s joint-top scorer with Wilfried Zaha, who netted a brace in the win over Watford.
Ahead of their clash with Burnley on Saturday, Vieira added: “The challenge for Wilfried and for the team is to be consistent with that kind of performance.
“There is no doubt about the quality and what he can do.
“Wilfried at Palace, he is at home and he has been really good for this football club and I strongly believe he still has a lot to give.
Zaha was at the top of his game against the HornetsGetty Images – Getty
“Since he came back from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has wanted to take the team forward and the team is responding quite well.
“What is important for me is the work ethic he had out of possession and he worked well with other players around.
“That is what I want from him because it will allow us as a team to be stronger and if we are stronger and when we are stronger, he can express his talent.”
