Crawley snap up Clifford on loan

Rafael Benitez may be in as Chelsea manager but Republic of Ireland starlet Conor Clifford is, for now at least, out of Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder, who was included in the Ireland senior squad for the recent friendly against Greece and the World Cup double-header against Germany and the Faroe Islands, has joined League One outfit Crawley Town on loan until January 5.

Clifford, 21, has yet to make his senior debut for the Blues but is looking forward to getting some game-time under his belt.