Chelsea reject Crystal Palace’s request to allow loan star Conor Gallagher to play in FA Cup semi-final

CHELSEA have refused to allow on-loan Conor Gallagher to play in the FA Cup semi-final.

The England star, 22, has been instrumental for the Eagles as they roared to Wembley.

Conor Gallagher looks set to miss out on playing in the FA Cup semi-finalAlamy

But, according to Goal, they were knocked back by the Blues when they requested permission to be able to pick Gallagher for next week’s clash.

It is believed that although the loan deal forbids Gallagher from playing against his parent club, changes could have been made ahead of the tie.

The midfielder was not believed to be involved in the talks and hasn’t appealed to Chelsea to play.

In the past, the West Londoners have allowed on-loan stars to play against them.

When Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori played for Derby County under Frank Lampard, they were given special dispensation for a fourth round Carabao Cup tie.

However, with the stakes much higher this time round Gallagher will miss the match.

It’s a huge blow for Palace and manager Patrick Vieira, who has managed to get the best out of the youngster.

Gallagher’s fine form also saw him called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, where he earned his first caps for his country.

Speaking after Gallagher played a key role in Palace’s recent defeat of Arsenal, Vieira spelled out his star asset’s attributes.

Vieira said: “The energy that he brings to the team – it allows other players to follow him behind.

“The majority of the time he is the one who starts the pressing and puts on the pressure. That really forces the players behind to follow and to reduce the distances between the lines. He is a massive player.”