Gallagher hoping to make point in deep role

CONOR GALLAGHER has been handed an audition in the No6 role, as he bids to convince Chelsea of his worth and nail down a spot in the England team for the Euros.

- Nizaar Kinsella

The 24-year-old will again play in a deeper midfield position for Chelsea when Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Mauricio Pochettino will start Gallagher alongside Moises Caicedo after Enzo Fernandez had surgery on a persistent groin injury that has ruled him out for the season.

That new double pivot has delivered improved performances for Chelsea.

Gallagher and Caicedo worked well together at Aston Villa on Saturday, having previously been paired in the 6-0 win over Everton.

Gallagher was involved in both goals at Villa Park. His pressing led to Noni Madueke's opener and he curled in a brilliant equaliser with his weaker left foot as Chelsea battled back from 2-0 down to secure a 2-2 draw.

Pochettino may have stumbled upon a winning formula in Gallagher and Caicedo, who are his last two defensive midfield options.

Romeo Lavia is also out for the season and Lesley Ugochukwu has been injured since December.