‘It can’t be long’ until Southgate calls up Gallagher, pundit

“It can’t be long” until Gareth Southgate “acknowledges” Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to Adrian Durham.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan from Chelsea and has enjoyed a fine start to the season at Selhurst Park.

Gallagher spent last term on loan at West Brom where he did well but the Baggies were unfortunately relegated.

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He has two goals and one assist in three games for Palace this season and was instrumental as they beat Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday.

And talkSPORT host, Durham, thinks it’s only a matter of time before Southgate considers the young midfielder for his England squad.

“He’s been in the England youth set up for a long long time, a World Cup winner with the under-17s four years ago,” he said.

“It can’t be long, if he keeps playing like this, before Gareth Southgate acknowledges he should be in the England squad. He’s doing it week in week out, whether they win or lose, he is performing without a doubt.”

Durham also believes he can break into Thomas Tuchel’s side next season.

“I can see him getting into Chelsea’s first team,” added Durham.

“[Mateo] Kovacic is playing at the moment but there’s periods where he doesn’t play particularly well.

“Jorginho nobody was sure about then all of a sudden he is up for a Ballon d’Or. N’golo Kante, everybody seems to love, but he never gets mentioned when Chelsea lose or play badly, he’s only ever mentioned when they play well and win.

“I’m looking at that midfield, he is box to box Gallagher, sometimes he turns up as the centre forward and at other times he’s on the edge of the own box.

“He can put his foot in for a tackle, he can finish, he’s dynamic, I think he’s pretty much got the lot.”

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara echoed Durham’s words, adding: “Watching him for Palace looks like he’s gone to another level, he was absolutely fantastic, really enjoyed watching him play,” said the talkSPORT pundit.

“Good on the ball, saw passes before other people, the pass for [Odsonne] Edouard’s second goal, he knew he was there, he didn’t even have to look so that’s the sign of a top player, he’s definitely one to watch.”