How ‘unbelievable’ Gallagher surprised Vieira

Patrick Vieira knew Conor Gallagher was good. But not this good.

The 22-year-old's potential was clear when he arrived at Selhurst Park from Chelsea in July but even so, his season in south London - a season during which he has become a Crystal Palace talisman and senior England international - has exceeded expectations.

"He surprised me with his finishing, he surprised me with his energy, he surprised me with the way he gets into the box at the right time to score goals," Vieira says in conversation with Sky Sports.

Gallagher has scored eight of them so far - as many as he managed in his previous three loan spells combined - and registered more direct goal involvements (11) than any other Palace player.

He has been their standout performer in the Premier League, putting them within reach of their highest-ever finish, and while he is ineligible to face parent club Chelsea in the upcoming FA Cup semi-final, he has been key to their progress on that front too.

Take his performance in last month's quarter-final.

Gallagher overpowered Everton in midfield that day and while he was not among Palace's scorers, his influence was apparent in two of their four goals. After releasing Michael Olise before the opener, he took the initial shot that allowed Will Hughes to add the fourth.

It was typical of Gallagher that, even with 87 minutes gone and Palace three goals up, he still had the energy and desire to sprint from inside his own half to meet Odsonne Edouard's pass on the edge of Everton's box and force the save that fell to Hughes.

Palace supporters adore Gallagher for his indefatigable work-rate as much as his quality, and Vieira, a perfect mentor for the youngster given his own pedigree in the position, feels the same way.

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