Connor Clifford

[EskWeston 696]

PROMISING IRISH teenager Conor Clifford is looking to finalise a new contract with Chelsea after Carlo Ancelotti delayed a loan move so he can stay with the first team until Christmas.The highly-rated Dubliner, who captained last year's FA Youth Cup-winning team, had expected to be sent out for first-team experience in this transfer window but Blues manager Ancelotti wants the midfielder to stick around.

"When I go back I'm looking to sign a new contract," said Clifford, who was a member of the Irish U-21 team that enjoyed a 5-0 win over Estonia on Tuesday night. "I've been involved in a few pre-season games and Ancelotti doesn't want me to go on loan yet. He wants me to stay and train with the first team and get experience -- maybe then go out at Christmas.

"My contract is up at the end of the season, so I'm looking at sorting out a contract when I go back."

Clifford admits that the idea of going elsewhere to play senior games did appeal, but he views Ancelotti's decision as a positive with a view towards his long-term prospects.

"I was expecting to do my pre-season and then go out straightaway, but the gaffer didn't want me to do that so I was delighted," said the 18-year-old. "It's good to stay around and train with the best players in the world."

Chelsea are under pressure to promote youngsters from their academy, after investing heavily in youth development in recent years.

They are struggling to find their quota of eight home-grown players for their Premier League squad of 25. Clifford now counts as home-grown, although he doesn't have to be included in the 25 as he is under the age of 21 and can, therefore, be drafted in at any stage.

Source: Irish Independant

[Madmax 9,219]

Nice to see Carlo having real faith in him

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Nice tosee that Carlo actually is looking at the youth, but will he use him for PL games this season seems to be in question still. I hope that he does use other youngsters like Kakuta, to make the other youth players that they do have a chance to be in first team games.

[EskWeston 696]

Nice to see Carlo having real faith in him

Absolutely, Connor has an incredible work rate and he has an eye for the spectacular goal. Remember a fair bit of hype about him when we signed him even though he stayed in ireland for a couple of years. Looks like that hype has turned out to be well justified.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

YES. Brilliant news.

[Kostas 1,468]

Connor Clifford signed a new contract until 2012.

Edit: Just realized I'm kinda late to the party.

Delete

[quinner 9]

Just Wondering does anyone know Whats Happening with Clifford this Season?

Is he being Loaned out or Do people Think He will get his chance in the First Team this year???

[NattyBlue 44]

I have no idea to be honest, maybe in Jan he'll go out on loan to a league 1 club...

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I don't think he's breaking through this season, at least Carlo's not showing any signs. I hope he does get loaned out to a Premier League side or at least a Championship side, he's being wasted in the reserves.

[Duppy Conqueror 1,526]

he`s only 18 (19 next week) the reserves will be fine for him for the time being...going out on loan away from the club and the coaches eyes seems to be more of a waste if Mancienne,Cork,Di Santo etc..are anything to go by.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

he`s only 18 (19 next week) the reserves will be fine for him for the time being...going out on loan away from the club and the coaches eyes seems to be more of a waste if Mancienne,Cork,Di Santo etc..are anything to go by.

The reserves are not as near competitive as the Championship or perhaps League 1. If there's a chance for him to play in the Championship then he should go out there impress them and come back ready to break through. But like you said he's still young so we shouldn't rush him

[eldo 868]

CONOR CLIFFORD LOAN DEAL

Conor Clifford has joined League One side Plymouth Argyle on loan until November 19.

The midfielder, 19, captained our FA Youth Cup side last season, and smashed home the winner against Aston Villa in the final with a trademark powerful strike.

Capped by Ireland Under 21s, Conor grew up a Chelsea fan and appeared in 10 reserve team games last season, with another three outings so far in 2010/11.

Plymouth are managed by former Manchester City and Sunderland manager Peter Reid, and are currently 19th in the third tier. They entertain Huddersfield Town at Home Park on Saturday.

link

[LDN Blue 7,903]

That's bull. Our players should go on loan to teams at least in the Championship!!

[eldo 868]

That's bull. Our players should go on loan to teams at least in the Championship!!

Agree, but it is only for a month.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Great move if you ask me. He'll play there every week for the next five or six games; what's wrong with that?