Conor Gallagher hopes his late winner against Crystal Palace can help kick his Chelsea season into gear and put him in Graham Potter’s first-team plans.
The midfielder has had a frustrating campaign up to this point, struggling in the Blues’ defeat to Elland Road before being sent off inside half an hour in the following match at home to Leicester.
On his return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan for Palace last season, Gallagher was introduced off the bench and struck a stunning 90th-minute winner to give Chelsea a 2-1 victory in Potter’s first Premier League match in charge of the club.
There was no celebration from Gallagher despite the spectacular nature of his first Chelsea goal, with his respect for Palace clear. The home fans gave him a warm reception as he was substituted on, one that might have been more subdued had they known what was to come.
Gallagher faces a battle to displace the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount in the Chelsea midfield, but wants to use his match-winning cameo as a platform to build from.
“It’s a very special moment to come on and get the winner and my first goal for Chelsea,” Gallagher told BBC Sport.
“It was written in the stars. Unfortunately it came against Palace but I’m just buzzing to get my first goal.
“Everyone knows how much I loved it here [at Palace] and I thank the whole club and the fans - even today with the reception they gave me.
“Hopefully I can build a bit of confidence with the goal and push on. I want to work as hard as I can for [Potter] and be available wherever he needs me, whether starting or coming off the bench.
“Obviously I want to start and I need to show him I’m good enough.”
