Patrick Vieira not looking beyond summer with ‘happy’ loanee Conor Gallagher

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is focused on the short-term with loanee Conor Gallagher but knows the midfielder is happy in south London.

The England international struck the decisive second goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 win at Watford, which has significantly eased the pressure ahead of Saturday’s visit of relegation-threatened Burnley.

Gallagher’s strike in midweek took his tally for the Premier League season to eight goals, more than any player at his parent club Chelsea has managed, with Mason Mount currently the leading marksman in the top flight for Thomas Tuchel’s side with seven efforts to his name.

Asked if he wanted to keep the loan signing beyond the summer, Vieira insisted: “We honestly didn’t speak about it. We know that we will have him for the year and you never know what can happen.

“Conor, I believe when you are looking at the way he is playing, is really happy in our football club.

“He knows how important he is for the team and the football club. He is enjoying his game. For a player like that, what is important is to keep playing week after week because that will allow him to improve. I think we give him the support he needs for him to be on the field and to express his talent.”

While Gallagher netted at Vicarage Road, Wilfried Zaha’s late double saw him draw level with the Chelsea ace as Palace’s joint-top goal-scorer for the season.

It was the third goal scored by the Ivory Coast international since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this month.

“The challenge for Wilfried and for the team is to be consistent with that kind of performance. There is no doubt about the quality and what he can do,” Vieira said.

“Wilfried at Palace, he is at home and he has been really good for this