Clifford hopefully of start in Chelsea friendly
Credit:
It was announced today that Ireland Under 19 international Conor Clifford will be included in the Chelsea squad travelling to Dublin next week to play St Patrick's Athletic in an exclusive pre-season friendly in Richmond Park on Wednesday 18th February at 7.45pm.
The Chelsea star has admitted to being a lifelong St Pats fan and told stpatsfc.com,
"I've never played at Richmond before and as a local lad I can't wait to go back to Pats and play instead of watching. I'm a Pats fan all my life and used to go with my dad and mates every Friday before I moved over to London."
Clifford starred for Cherry Orchard and Crumlin United before joining Chelsea last July and St Pats CEO Richard Sadlier is looking forward to seeing the young star on home turf:
"I saw Conor star for the Ireland u17's in the finals of the European Championships last year in Turkey, and I know how highly he is regarded by the coaching staff at Chelsea.
“It's great to see a local Pats supporter doing so well and I know he will have support from both sides here on the night'
In the last year, St Patrick's Athletic have invited a number of big international teams to play in Richmond Park including Wisla Krakow, Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea are one of three Premiership clubs who were prepared to travel to Inchicore to play in Jeff Kenna's first game at Richmond Park since his appointment in early January.
Kenna believes that playing international teams can only benefit his St Patrick's Athletic side:
“We know we are facing a tough challenge next week, regardless of which players are in the Chelsea team.
“With so many new arrivals lately at the club, myself included, it's a great opportunity for us to see how we're shaping up ahead of the season"
Tickets priced from €10 (adults) and €5 (concession) are currently on sale from the club office at Richmond Park, by calling the ticket office on (01) 4546332 or from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
The Chelsea star has admitted to being a lifelong St Pats fan and told stpatsfc.com,
"I've never played at Richmond before and as a local lad I can't wait to go back to Pats and play instead of watching. I'm a Pats fan all my life and used to go with my dad and mates every Friday before I moved over to London."
Clifford starred for Cherry Orchard and Crumlin United before joining Chelsea last July and St Pats CEO Richard Sadlier is looking forward to seeing the young star on home turf:
"I saw Conor star for the Ireland u17's in the finals of the European Championships last year in Turkey, and I know how highly he is regarded by the coaching staff at Chelsea.
“It's great to see a local Pats supporter doing so well and I know he will have support from both sides here on the night'
In the last year, St Patrick's Athletic have invited a number of big international teams to play in Richmond Park including Wisla Krakow, Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea are one of three Premiership clubs who were prepared to travel to Inchicore to play in Jeff Kenna's first game at Richmond Park since his appointment in early January.
Kenna believes that playing international teams can only benefit his St Patrick's Athletic side:
“We know we are facing a tough challenge next week, regardless of which players are in the Chelsea team.
“With so many new arrivals lately at the club, myself included, it's a great opportunity for us to see how we're shaping up ahead of the season"
Tickets priced from €10 (adults) and €5 (concession) are currently on sale from the club office at Richmond Park, by calling the ticket office on (01) 4546332 or from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
About Gareth Penrose
Gareth Penrose founded extratime.com in 2008 and has worked as a reporter / editor / developer on the site since.
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