Gallagher advised on what to do ahead of possible return to Chelsea

Former Bolton Wanderers coach, Sam Allardyce, has Issued warnings to Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher ahead of a possible return to Stamford Bridge in January

Allardyce believed that if Gallagher is not careful, he could ‘go backwards’ like Jesse Lingard at Manchester United when he returns to Chelsea.

Gallagher has been impressive for Crystal Palace, where he currently plays on loan, scoring six goals, including two in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Everton, and making three assists.

Before joining the Seagulls this season, the 21-year-old had previously impressed on loan at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Brom.

Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of the 21-year-old and could see his return to Stamford Bridge in January.

But Allardyce stressed that Gallagher needs to be ‘very careful’ that he is not sidelined when he returns to Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Asked what Gallagher should do next summer, Allardyce told talkSPORT, “Well I wouldn’t spend too long there if I don’t get into the first team.

“I’d want to come back and give it a go and I think on his form at the moment and you have to bear in mind now he made his England debut, he’s an England international.

“He would want to go back and try and get in the team but I think if you do that, you’ve got to play enough first team games because if you don’t you can easily fall backwards like Jesse Lingard.

“Staying at Man United I think has been a bad choice for him because he’s not been selected.

“While at West Ham he was one of the best goalscoring midfield players in the Premier League in his time there; now he’s sitting on the bench at Man United.

“So you have to be very careful on your choices at the right time and if you’re playing as much football as Conor’s playing now, and enjoying it more than ever with Palace then you want to continue that.

“If that’s not at Chelsea it can certainly be somewhere else in the Premier League I’m sure.”