Football News

John Terry has praised Conor Gallagher's leadership credentials and admitted he would be happy to see the midfielder captain Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old has skipperedthe Blues in the absence of Reece James, who has been struck down by injuries this season. However, Gallagher has been praised for not only his on-field performances but also for how he has helped guide his inexperienced team-mates through difficult spells.

Speaking on the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast, Terry, who guided Chelsea to five Premier League titles and a Champions League during his 14-year spell as captain at Stamford Bridge, said he has been pleased with how Gallagher has gone about deputising for James as captain.

“I like Conor. I’ve known him since he was a young kid. Seeing him now as a Chelsea fan, I look and go, ‘if there’s one player I want to represent and wear the armband, it’s him for me," said Terry.

“I think he’s a very good player. They’re still nurturing, if I’m a fan and watching right now, I want a player who gives absolutely everything, and Conor does that. He has the quality as well, but he’s the one pushing and driving this team in a different way to how I would have as captain.”

Despite such esteemed praise from Terry, Gallagher's future at Stamford Bridge is anything but certain, and, with less than 18 months remaining on his current deal, was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

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Conor Gallagher Cole Palmer Mauricio Pochettino Simon Jordan Reece James John Terry Stamford Bridge