Clifford extends Chelsea contract

Republic of Ireland U21 international Conor Clifford has signed a one-year extension to his Chelsea contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2013.

The 20-year-old midfielder recently enjoyed a spell on loan with Yeovil but has now returned to the London club’s reserve set-up at Cobham.

Clifford’s stint with Yeovil was Clifford’s third loan stay with a League One club having previously been sent out to Plymouth and Notts County last season. Clifford is a highly-rated talent having captained Chelsea to FA Youth Cup success in 2010, scoring the winning goal in the final against Aston Villa. Earlier this week, Clifford was a starter in a reserve friendly against Gillingham at Cobham in which Dermot Drummy’s side emerged 5-4 winners after a thrilling second half.