Frank Lampard beams at ‘big talent’ Conor Gallagher as he heaps praise on the stand-in Chelsea captain for wanting to ‘raise standards’ within Mauricio Pochettino’s team

• The Chelsea midfielder is continuing to impress under Mauricio Pohettino
• Conor Gallagher is currently deputising as Chelsea’s first-team captain
• Click HERE to listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’

Frank Lampard heaped praised on Conor Gallagher’s ‘amazing character’ after the youngster captained Chelsea to a second league victory on Monday evening.

The Blues struck twice in two minutes at Craven Cottage as Mykhailo Mudryk scored his first competitive goal for the club before Armando Broja netted shortly after on his return from a long-term injury.

Lampard worked with Gallagher during his last Stamford Bridge management spell in what was a difficult period for the club last season, but admitted he is delighted to see the England international starring under Mauricio Pochettino.

Gallagher continued to deputise as club captain in the absence of permanent skipper Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell, with Lampard hailing the midfielder’s commitment to becoming a success at Stamford Bridge.  

‘He is an amazing character and big talent scoring goals from midfield,’ explained Lampard on Sky Sports. 

Conor Gallagher continued to impress in his deputy captaincy role as Chelsea beat Fulham on Monday

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (pictured) has made Gallagher (right) a trusted member of his midfield

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‘As a manager you see things that those on the outside of the club don’t and when you talk about players wanting to train at a level every day, sometimes you pick a team and people say why do you keep playing Conor Gallagher? 

‘Because of his desire to play for the club, the desire to raise standards and train hard.

‘When I went back to the club he trained every day like he really wanted to show something. Being part-time captain gives him a chance to really kick on with his Chelsea career,’ he added.

Gallagher was previously linked with a summer move away from Chelsea but has since started every Premier League game for the Blues this season.

Frank Lampard (pictured) heaped praise on Gallagher for his commitment to Chelsea

Lampard (right) previously managed Gallagher (middle) during his second stint as Chelsea boss last season

His rise from academy graduate to first-team regular has coincided with England call-ups and Gallagher beamed at being handed more responsibility at Chelsea after beating Fulham.

‘It’s obviously a really proud moment and time for me to captain the club the few times I have’ said Gallagher.

‘You know how much it means to me and how much I want to do well at chelsea. I have supported them my whole life and to captain them is amazing. Hopefully I can continue to do that. 

‘I have tried to be more disciplined and a leader on and off the pitch as well. We are trying our best to play well together and understand each others game,’ he said.

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