Conor Clifford

Conor Paul Clifford (born 1 October 1991) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for League of Ireland First Division club Bray Wanderers. He is a former Republic of Ireland youth international and has represented them at under-17, under-19, and under-21 level. He has been called into the senior Ireland squad but is yet to play.

Club Career

Early career

Clifford began his career with Cherry Orchard and Crumlin United, and played in the Dublin District Schoolboys League in Ireland.

Chelsea

Clifford moved to England in 2007 to sign for Chelsea as a member of their Academy. He signed a full-time scholarship in June 2008. He made 25 appearances for the youth team during the 2009–10 season, scoring three goals. After progressing into the reserve team, where he scored twice in ten appearances, Clifford captained the youth team as they won the FA Youth Cup in 2010. He scored the decisive goal in the final as they were crowned champions for the first time since 1961. Clifford joined Plymouth Argyle on an initial one-month loan in October 2010. He made his senior debut the next day in a 2–1 win against Huddersfield Town. "I'm still learning the game, and it's all good experience for me playing in front of big crowds and with these lads," he said. "I just want to keep myself in the team and keep playing well for Plymouth."

His loan was extended in November, and he continued to play regularly before returning to Chelsea in December. Both clubs had agreed to another extension, but the Football League declined his registration due to Argyle's financial difficulties. "What will be will be, but it's a blow," said Peter Reid. "I've got to say that. He's been a breath of fresh air. He's enthusiastic, presses the ball, and has been our leader for such a young man while Fletcher has been out injured; a tremendous character." On 11 February 2011 Clifford signed on a one-month loan for League One club Notts County. He returned to Chelse