Conor Gallagher never expected life in the Chelsea first team to be easy. He also knew there would be detractors who questioned his quality and place in an expensively-assembled squad – especially after a difficult start to the campaign. Yet the academy graduate always backed himself to rise to the challenge.
"That's football: you have highs and lows, good games and bad games," says the midfielder after an impressive performance against FC Salzburg and his first Champions League start. "People have their opinions on you but you just have to keep your head down, stay humble, and focus on the next game.
"I've always known that Chelsea is my club and I've always backed myself to be good enough to play in the first team. I still feel there is more to come from me. Hopefully, I can improve and affect the club and the games even more."
