ROY KEANE hailed Conor Gallagher – and admitted he backs old foe Patrick Vieira to get the best out of the midfielder.
The ex-Manchester United captain relished his bitter rivalry when Vieira was at Arsenal.
But he put their differences aside to give the Frenchman credit for the way he is already helping Gallagher’s development.
The England Under-21 star is on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea and has been one of the Eagles’ standout players so far this season.
Keane said: “He has certainly got a goal in his locker.
“He is still learning his trade, but he is working with Patrick, an ex-midfielder so that should be a big, big help.
“He has gone to a very good club in Crystal Palace.
“But he’s also gone into a new club where there has been lots of changes, lots of new players obviously Roy Hodgson leaving.
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“So you have to give these players the chance to progress and learn the game.”
Gallagher is playing in a more advanced midfield position this term compared to the defensive role Sam Allardyce deployed him in at West Brom last term.
Vieira is reaping the rewards with two goals and an assist from the 21-year-old in six appearances – plus he won the penalty against Brighton.
Jamie Carragher is also impressed by what he is seeing from the all-round star.
The Liverpool legend added: “He’s been one of the best players for Palace this season.
“Maybe with the new manager there is a slightly different style but he is so energetic.
“We talk about certain types of midfielder, he seems to do a little bit of everything.
“He has so much energy getting into the box, he will score goals for Palace this season no doubt.”
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