Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira knows it will be difficult to replace Conor Gallagher’s energy for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea but has praised the “special” loanee for preparing this week like he is playing in the tie.
The terms of the midfielder’s loan agreement from Stamford Bridge meant he was unable to feature against the Blues this season and a written request for him to line up at Wembley was rejected by Thomas Tuchel’s side last week.
