Conor Gallagher targets Chelsea breakthrough and World Cup spot

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Conor Gallagher targets Chelsea breakthrough and World Cup spot

Conor Gallagher is determined to break into the Chelsea first team this season and also make England's 2022 World Cup squad.

Gallagher impressed greatly while on loan at Crystal Palace last season, registering eight goals and five assists en route to becoming the Eagles' player of the season - form that saw him break into the Three Lions setup.

Although Palace were keen to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, the midfielder returned to his parent club at the end of the 2021/22 campaign - and he has now set his sights on a spot in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI.

"I feel like this is the season," he told BBC Sport. "I've been a Chelsea fan my whole life, my family have, it's been a dream to play [for Chelsea] but I want to try and impress, and play as much football as I can and affect the game when I'm on the pitch.

"[Tuchel] said he wants me to be part of the squad and to prove myself in pre-season, so that's the plan. I'm happy with that and just willing to work as hard as I can to prove to him that I can play for Chelsea.

"It's what I wanted to hear, it was a nice phone call that we had and it gave me a clear plan of pre-season and where I'm going to be. It was great to hear."

Gallagher also has his eye on a place in England's 2022 World Cup squad. He has picked up four senior caps so far and is hoping that he can continue to impress Gareth Southgate this season.

"I'm very keen [to play at the World Cup] because every English player wants to play for England and in a World Cup would be very special. And of course, it's very important that I'll be playing games and performing," he added.

"The call-up was a very proud moment, for sure. But it didn't change the way I thought of myself or anything. It was nice to get that recognition and belief from the manager. It's very important to stay humble and do everything you can to perform well."