Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher admits he feared for his future over the summer with Moises Caicedo's arrival.

Gallagher has captained the team this season in Reece James' absence, but says he had doubts in preseason.

He said: “I would be lying if I said I wasn't fearing for my place.

“When top players come in your position, you think you have less of a chance of playing as much as you'd like.

“It makes you even more determined to prove to the manager why you are good enough to be playing as well. I have done that this season.

“It's what comes with being at a top club like Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world over the last 20-25 years. So that's going to happen.

“There is always going to be competition for places, not just in midfield but all over the pitch.

“It was a crazy period in terms of ins and outs at Chelsea. I had conversations with the manager and he expressed he liked me as a player and I was in his plans, and I was really happy with that.

“A lot was going on in the summer, a big transition in the club, a lot of players coming in, a lot of players leaving.

“I was lucky enough to stay and be a part of the manager's plans. Whatever he wants me to do I have been doing and I will keep working as hard as possible for him.

“It is very important in football to have character and to prove people wrong and show how good you are. All the top teams have a lot of characters."