Clifford has Blues potential, claims Clement

CONOR CLIFFORD has the potential to make a breakthrough at Chelsea, according to former Republic of Ireland U-21 assistant manager Paul Clement, now reserve team coach at Stamford Bridge.

Ireland youth international midfielder Clifford, 17, played his first full game for Chelsea’s reserves in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with St. Patrick’s Athletic in a friendly at Richmond Park.

Clifford, who captained Sean McCaffrey’s Ireland at last May’s UEFA Under-17 Championship finals in Turkey, is making good progress and Clement says he has the right attributes to do well in the game.