General
- Friday February 13th, 2009 @ 17:18
YOUNG CHELSEA STAR COMES HOME TO RICHMOND
Although he's just returned from Ireland Under 19 duty in Russia and has been training with full internationals in the Chelsea reserves, Palmerstown native Conor Clifford can't wait until next Wednesday evening.
Rising star Clifford will be part of the Chelsea squad who travel to Dublin to take on St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park on Wednesday, 18th February (kick off 7.45 p.m.).
But it won't be just another game for Clifford as the life long Pats fan told stpatsfc.com that another of his life long dreams will be fulfilled when he steps onto the pitch in Inchicore.
"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. The midfielder says that as he was growing up he loved nothing more than to watch Keith Fahey boss the midfield in Inchicore.
"I used to love watching Keith Fahey when I was growing up and I suppose we would be similar sort of players."
Clifford is likely to be watched by a full house in Inchicore as tickets are selling fast for the Saints pre-season fixture as new manager Jeff Kenna prepares his squad for an assault on the League of Ireland Premier Division.
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 St Pat's supporter doing so well, particularly a local lad, and I'm sure there'll be many supporters of Irish football in general who will come along particularly to see him in action"
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.
