Will Gallagher announce himself to the world as a Blue?

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Conor Gallagher is yet to take in a competitive appearance for Chelsea. That is through no fault of his own, with it notoriously difficult for academy graduates to step straight up onto a Premier League stage once full potential begins to be unlocked.

Gallagher has been playing the long game, with a series of loan spells allowing him to gain the experience he needs in order to show his parent club that he may be worth keeping around long-term.

A stint at Crystal Palace in 2021-22 has taken his game to a whole new level, with the challenges posed by an unsuccessful bid to beat the drop with West Brom last season seeing him bounce back stronger and better prepared to face further hurdles head-on.

His stock has risen so quickly that senior international recognition with England has come his way, with dreams now forming of gracing a World Cup finals with the Three Lions when the global showpiece heads to Qatar later this year.

It is easy to see why he is figuring prominently in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts, with creative qualities that have been showcased as part of an exciting young squad working under Patrick Vieira bringing him screaming into contention for one of 23 much sought-after tickets to the Middle East in November.

England will make that journey fancied by many to challenge for an ultimate prize, having reached the semi-finals four years ago and come within another penalty shootout of ending a long wait for major silverware at Euro 2020.

Anyone of the opinion that 56 years of hurt can be brought to a close in 2022 would be advised to act quickly, as odds will only shorten from here. Bookmakers are braced for the tournament and many will be ramping up their promotions and special offers to attract as many bettors as possible. With such competition in the industry, there are dedicated sites with a list of online bookmakers that filter the best promotions so bettors don’t have to, which can mean more value when placing a bet. England will be a popular choice to win the tournament, no doubt.

Stick or twist?

Gallagher, were he to get the nod, would represent something of a calculated risk given his relative lack of experience at the very highest level. He does, however, still have several months of football to take in before any mingle with the global elite is considered.

Regular game time will be required in order to keep his name in the frame and open up a window to the world, which begs the obvious question of whose books he will be on when big selection calls are made.

Is a first-team door about to swing open at Chelsea? Should it? Would competition be too fierce from the likes of Mason Mount and co to get him the minutes he craves and requires? Is a move elsewhere now the best option for all concerned? Answers to all of those questions will be provided at some stage in the near future, with interested observers from Stamford Bridge to St George’s Park set to keep a close eye on developments.