Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher receives praise on his Swansea City debut

Conor Gallagher made a move that surprised some people last week. The Chelsea loanee started the season at Charlton Athletic in fine form. However, the 19-year-old swapped South-east London for South Wales, making a move to Swansea City.

Yesterday the England under-21 international made his debut for the Swans in a Championship clash against Wigan Athletic. It’s fair to say he didn’t disappoint. Earning his first assist in a 2-1 victory for his new club.

The Jacks climbed to Sixth-place, with a return to the Premier League a realistic possibility. I felt a move to another championship club could be a step sideways. But in truth a promotion race will do the midfielder the world of good.

Working under Steve Cooper, Gallagher is familiar with the Welshman, having played for him at England youth level. Cooper was sure to have been impressed by his new debutant. However, it was Swans’ winger Andre Ayew who heaped praise on the young star.

Fellow loanee Rhian Brewster, was the lucky recipient of Gallagher’s assist. Brewster is on loan from Liverpool, but did in fact play for Chelsea at youth level.

Ayew was very impressed by the pair. He told swanseacityfc.com :

“Both of them did well. Conor set up Rhian for his goal so that is great for both of them. “I am happy for them and it is good for them to start on a good note, it always builds your confidence quicker and helps you settle in better” .

The Ghanaian has confidence they will both play an important part for the Swans by adding:

“They are going to do great things here – sometimes things won’t go to plan but it is a learning process.

“They have a lot of quality and I think it will get even better as we further understand their movements and play in the next few games”

Ayew recognises they are both young, and patience is needed.

“We will use that to our advantage and they will help us a lot. But let’s just be patient and not put too much pressure on them and let them play their football.”

Hopefully Gallagher can continue his development to become a part of the Chelsea first-team in years to come. The door is certainly open with Frank Lampard’s desire to give youngsters a chance at Stamford Bridge.