Chelsea send academy star pupil Conor Gallagher on loan to Charlton despite Frank Lampard using midfielder in his first match in charge

CHELSEA starlet Conor Gallagher has penned a new contract with the Blues until 2022 before joining Charlton Athletic on loan.

The midfielder, 19, featured in Frank Lampard’s first pre-season friendly in charge of the club last month against Bohemians.

He also travelled with the Chelsea squad on their trip to Boston in the USA having previously been an unused sub in last season’s Europa League Final.

Now he is set to continue his development, fresh from winning Academy Player of the Year, with the Addicks in the Championship.

And he is likely to go straight into Lee Bowyer’s newly-promoted side for tomorrow’s season opener at Blackburn.

He has been handed the No.11 shirt, and he cannot wait to get going for his new side.

Gallagher said: “I’m buzzing! I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait to get started.

“I wanted to play in the Championship and Charlton is a great club to come to

“I just want to play as much as possible and the opportunity is there to do that here.”

Bowyer added: “He’s an exciting young player.

“He can put his foot in, create, score and has a bit of everything so I’m over the moon to have him through the door.

“Clubs like Chelsea recognise what we have done previously with the young midfielders we had last season and this will be no different.

“I’d like to thank them for the part they played in Conor coming to us.”