Conor Gallagher should be allowed to play in the FA Cup semi-final, says Patrick Vieira

The midfielder joined Palace in the summer and his excellent form throughout the campaign has seen him selected by Gareth Southgate in the England squad.

Gallagher is unable to feature for the tie due to FA rules which do not permit loan players to take the field against the lending club.

Vieira - who takes his side to Wembley on April 17 to take on the Blues - is not impressed by the decision.

"It's not the best rule. The only one who will lose is Conor," said the Frenchman.

"It's an experience the player is missing and I'm disappointed for him.

"He has played all the games so far and if there's somebody who deserves to be in the semi-final, it's him because of his performances."

"The decision for Chelsea to send him on loan is to play these kind of games," said Vieira.

"We have an opportunity to play an important game and that game will give him more confidence and belief.

"We could lose but for him to be on the field is what he needs to keep developing himself. For him not to have a chance to get involved in that game, it is something frustrating for his development."

Gallagher, 22, has bagged eight goals and five assists in 31 appearances in all competitions at Palace.

His performances have helped Palace climb into the top half of the Premier League and they are now two wins away from lifting the FA Cup.

"The next day in training he was affected by that," the Palace manager added when asked about how Gallagher responded to Palace being drawn against Chelsea in the cup.

"He knew straight away that it was a game that he would not have the chance to get involved in. We feel for him.

"He put his head back into training straight away. It will be more difficult when we enter the week of the game.

"It will be challenging for him, looking at the team, preparing himself and him not getting involved. That will be challenging for him."

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