The midfielder played a key role as the Blues qualified for the knockout stages with victory in Austria, with goals in either half from Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz ensuring a 2-1 win.

It means Chelsea qualify from Group E in top spot with a game to spare, and with many tough fixtures across different competitions coming up before the World Cup, Gallagher is keen for the Blues to continue our fine form and turn the focus to the next challenge. 

‘That was a great night for us and we’re really happy to get through,’ Conor stated, when speaking post-match at the RB Arena.

‘It was a tough game, as we knew it would be but everyone stuck to their tasks, we gave our all and to get the three points at a place like this is massive for us.

‘We’re just so happy to qualify.’

Both the Chelsea goals were stunning strikes, with Gallagher holding special praise for the hit from his midfield partner Kovacic. 

‘It was a great finish from Kova, I couldn’t believe it to be honest!’ Conor joked. ‘To get that first goal was very important and it definitely helped us out and gave us confidence in the game.’

While the England international was also delighted to be handed a first start in Europe’s premier club competition by Graham Potter, reflecting on the ‘proud’ moment and highlighting how important the victory was.

‘Absolutely it was a proud moment for me to make my first start in the Champions League and I just wanted to give a good account of myself. I wanted to put in a good performance and help the team get the win, so I’m really pleased with how it went.

‘We’re taking things game by game, each match is important and we’ve got a lot of them. Everybody just needs to be ready, which we are and hopefully we can carry on the form that we are in.’