Crystal Palace are not worried about midfielder Gallagher returning to Chelsea early

Crystal Palace midfielder Gallagher, on loan from Chelsea, has scored six goals in 15 Premier League games this season, but Crystal Palace are not worried that Gallagher will return to Chelsea early as he has played in most of his games this season.

The two clubs have struck a deal to have Gallagher play more than 50 per cent of Crystal Palace's matches, and if not, Chelsea could recall the midfielder, but that now looks highly unlikely.

The 21-year-old did not qualify to face Chelsea in his first game of the season, but he has been making league appearances since then, making a total of 15 appearances.

In Sunday's 3-1 win over Everton, he scored twice as the season's top scorer, scoring six goals in the Premier League so far.

Gallagher moved to Selhurst Park in the summer on a one-season loan.

Speaking about the situation last month, the Chelsea manager said: "I think it's important for him to be happy in where he is and not to change things. It's important to stay calm, I think he's happy there and he's going through the effects of this on Crystal Palace.

"It's too early to talk about it publicly before we talk about it with Gallagher himself and what his goals are. This will happen in the summer because we all agreed to send him to crystal palace.

"He saw his possibilities. I'm not surprised that the national team coach loves him because I've loved him since day one. He is humble, friendly, with a smile on his face, ready to give everything and wants to learn and improve. ”

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira described Gallagher as a "football manager's dream" and likened his shot to Lampard.

Vieira said: "When Gallagher was on the pitch, he was passionate about the game, but I would say he probably had a great performance from Lampard. ”

"It's a coach's dream to have a player like Gallagher because when he's on the pitch he gives everything.

"He's focused, he's focused and he's always going to give it his all. That's really important to me. ”

It was Gallagher's tie for the most goals in the 2019-20 season after six goals.

He has been favoured by the national team in good form this season and called up England in November and made his debut in the 10-0 win over San Marino.

Vieira sees his goal of returning as his desire for progress.

"I think it's his determination to progress. Every time he steps onto the pitch, he wants to improve and challenge himself," the Crystal Palace manager added.

"We know his qualities, we know he can play in the penalty area. He can score goals, but what really impresses him is his work ethic in his daily training.

"When you have the determination to challenge yourself and keep improving, you have more opportunities to succeed."

"His all-around game is outstanding: he's efficient and he's also running farther than any other player at the club.

"He's a workhorse, he can score, create more assists and chances than anyone else at Crystal Palace. Overall, he stands out and looks very promising, and so does he in England. ”