Ireland U-21 international Conor Clifford is keen to extend his loan spell at Notts County from champions Chelsea until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old Dubliner moved to Meadow Lane on a one-month loan in early February but is eager to remain.
Magpies boss Paul Ince has been impressed with the former Crumlin United players performances and will discuss keeping him for the rest of the campaign with the club's chief executive.
"I'd love to stay with Notts until the end of the season," said Clifford. "I'm really enjoying playing in meaningful games rather than in the reserves at Chelsea, and I want to keep playing to gain as much experience as I can."
Clifford captained last season's Chelsea FA Youth Cup winning team, scoring the winner in the Final against Aston Villa with a long-range strike.
He began the season on loan at Plymouth, has started three league games for Notts, against Colchester United, Brentford and Leyton Orient, and has made two substitute appearances, against Exeter City and Charlton.
"I've been delighted to play almost every game since I've came here. I think I've done all right but I know I can give an awful lot more if I stay for the rest of the season," he added.
"I'm still getting to know the lads and the way we play and I haven't really played where I normally play, in the centre of midfield. I've been playing out wide. It's a bit frustrating but it's all good experience for me wherever I play.
"Hopefully I can sign on again, play more games and get better."
Ince has four central midfielders with more experience than Clifford in his squad – Neal Bishop, Ricky Ravenhill, John Spicer and Kevin McDonald, on loan from Burnley.
"We've got enough in that central midfield department, but I think Conor has done ever so well since he's been here.
"He plays with a lot of energy. I will sit down with Jim (Rodwell) and see where we stand," he said.
Ireland U21 international Conor Clifford wants to start getting in among the goals during the second month of his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.
And there would be no better time for the 19-year-old Dublin born Chelsea midfielder to open his account than against Brentford at Home Park tomorrow.
Argyle have lost their last three matches in all competitions, and are 19th in League One, one position below Brentford on goal difference.
So, even at this relatively stage of the season, it is an important match for the Pilgrims.
The loan deal which will see Clifford stay for another month was being finalised today.
Clifford has already made five appearances for Argyle, and been a hit with manager Peter Reid.
The Ireland international admitted he had been pleased with the way he had settled at Home Park.
He told Herald Sport: "I think I have done quite well, but there is still a lot more I can give to the team.I'm happy enough with how I'm playing. Hopefully, I can just keep it up and get a few goals.I haven't got off the mark yet, but hopefully, I will get my first one tomorrow."
Clifford had a scoring chance near the end of Argyle's 1-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers last Saturday, but he shot wide.
He said: "When I came here, the gaffer (Peter Reid) had me sitting in the midfield, to get used to it really.
"But now he has taken my reins off a bit and I can play my proper game.
"I will be trying to get forward a lot more, to get some shots in, and to get closer to Brad (striker Bradley Wright-Phillips)."
Clifford had not played any first team football before signing on loan for Argyle and has enjoyed the experience tremendously.
"I have loved it" he said. "It's brilliant I have got games under my belt.
"The whole idea was for me to come down here and play some games and get good experience.
"The gaffer has been brilliant. He has thrown me in and I have been in the team ever since I have been here, so it has gone really well.
"The results haven't been as good as I would have wanted, but I'm staying for another month so, hopefully, we can get a few more wins."
Playing in League One has certainly been an eye-opener for the Dublin-born midfielder.
Clifford said: "It's more up in the air, and more of a battle, than I'm used to, but it has been good to learn a different style of football.
"I think I have dealt with it quite well.
"It was a shock at first, though, because back at Chelsea the reserves is more tippy-tappy, nice football."
Chelsea have closely monitored the progress of Clifford while he has been with Argyle.
Clifford said: "Steve Holland (Chelsea's reserve team boss) and Neil Bath (the academy manager) have been in contact with me a few times.
"They were really happy for me to stay here because I'm playing games and it's good experience for me.
"I have signed for another month and, hopefully, I will do well and we will see what happens then."
Ireland u21 international Conor Clifford put in a fine performance in his debut for Plymouth against Huddersfield on Saturday.
The 19-year-old, Dublin born midfielder was signed on a one-month loan from Premier League champions Chelsea late on Friday afternoon, he then started for the Pilgrims the following day.
Clifford only met the Argyle squad for the first time shortly before kick-off.
The one exception was winger Craig Noone, who had collected him from Plymouth railway station on Friday.
Clifford admitted it had been a whirlwind experience for him, and also an enjoyable one.
He told Herald Sport: "Craig Noone picked me up from the train station and I stayed with him last night.
"So, basically, I went into the dressing room, put on the kit and went out and played.
"I didn't know anyone's name, but the lads were good to me. They looked after me on the pitch and helped me through it."
Clifford continued: "It was strange sitting down in the dressing room, with no-one knowing who you are.
"It did feel a bit awkward that I was starting, and other lads who had been training all week weren't.
"But I'm here to play football and it was brilliant (Argyle manager) Peter Reid threw me in.
"I wasn't expecting that at all, but he showed great faith in me. He told me to relax, to go out there and express myself, and not to be nervous."
Clifford followed those instructions, soon winning over the Green Army with his confident, positive approach.
Reid made his move for Clifford after seeing him in action for Chelsea reserves when they won 5-4 away to West Bromwich Albion last Wednesday.
Clifford said: "I played well in that game and I got a call from Frank Arnesen (Chelsea's director of football) that night.
"He told me Peter Reid had been in contact with him, and it happened really quickly from there."
Clifford thought Argyle were good value for their victory over Huddersfield.
Striker Bradley Wright-Phillips grabbed his sixth and seventh goals of the season as the Pilgrims won at Home Park for only the second time this term.
Clifford, an Ireland under-21 international, had not played any senior football before.
His previous experience had been limited to academy and reserve team action for Chelsea.
Dublin-born Clifford said: "It's very different to what I'm used to.
"Back at Chelsea there is a lot of tippy-tappy, nice football, but this is proper men's football.
"I thought the lads dug in and we all worked well for each other. It's a brilliant result."
Clifford was impressed with Wright-Phillips, who scored both of his goals after the ball was flicked on by his strike partner Rory Fallon.
"They were great finishes," said Clifford. "Every time Brad got a chance it looked like he was going to score."
Having broken into the team so soon, Clifford is now determined to try and stay in it.
His loan spell is initially for one month, but it could be extended later on.
Clifford said: "I'm still learning the game, and it's all good experience for me playing in front of big crowds and with these lads.
"I just want to keep myself in the team and keep playing well for Plymouth."
Clifford has become the third aspiring young Premier League player to be snapped up by Reid.
Goalkeeper David Button and midfielder Dean Parrett are both on season-long loans from Tottenham Hotspur.
Button was recalled to Argyle's starting line-up against Huddersfield after recovering from an ankle injury, while Parrett was an unused substitute.
Clifford said: "Not a lot of managers would take the risk with young players, but Peter
Reid seems to really have trust in us.
"I know Dean really well from playing against him up at Tottenham. He helped me a lot as well."
Ireland Under-21 midfielder Conor Clifford has signed for Plymouth Argyle on a month's loan from Premiership champions Chelsea.
The Dublin born, 19 year old midfielder captained Chelsea to victory in the FA Youth Cup final in May, scoring the winner in a 2-1 (3-2 agg) victory over Aston Villa.
Clifford has signed for the Pilgrims until late November and it's a great opportunity for the former Crumlin United player to experience regular first team football with a team who are currently in need of an injection of skill and stability in their midfield.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti held back on sending Clifford out on loan after pre-season training in August as he wanted the player to spend time training with the Chelsea first team.
He is eligible for the clash against Huddersfield at Home Park on Saturday.
Argyle boss Peter Reid told the club's official website: "I've had him watched and he can see a pass, and he was very enthusiastic to come and play here.
"The Chelsea management team of Carlo Ancelotti and Ray Wilkins have helped greatly and I'm delighted to have him here.
"I'll decide whether he starts tomorrow but he has a good chance."
Ireland u21 international Conor Clifford is looking to finalise a new contract with Chelsea after Carlo Ancelotti delayed a loan move so he can stay with the first team until Christmas.
The highly-rated Dubliner, who captained last year's FA Youth Cup-winning team, had expected to be sent out for first-team experience in this transfer window but Blues manager Ancelotti wants the midfielder to stick around.
"When I go back I'm looking to sign a new contract," said Clifford, who was a member of the Irish U-21 team that enjoyed a 5-0 win over Estonia on Tuesday night. "I've been involved in a few pre-season games and Ancelotti doesn't want me to go on loan yet. He wants me to stay and train with the first team and get experience -- maybe then go out at Christmas.
"My contract is up at the end of the season, so I'm looking at sorting out a contract when I go back."
Clifford admits that the idea of going elsewhere to play senior games did appeal, but he views Ancelotti's decision as a positive with a view towards his long-term prospects.
"I was expecting to do my pre-season and then go out straightaway, but the gaffer didn't want me to do that so I was delighted," said the 18-year-old. "It's good to stay around and train with the best players in the world."
Chelsea are under pressure to promote youngsters from their academy, after investing heavily in youth development in recent years.
They are struggling to find their quota of eight home-grown players for their Premier League squad of 25. Clifford now counts as home-grown, although he doesn't have to be included in the 25 as he is under the age of 21 and can, therefore, be drafted in at any stage.
New Ireland U-21 manager Noel King was thrilled with his team's performance and singled out Anthony Stokes' fine display.
"Anthony was involved in everything. It was an unbelievable performance," said King. "Anthony will be named in the squad for our next games against Switzerland and Turkey if he's not in the senior squad. It depends what happens with them."
Sean McCaffrey's Irish U19 team defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-0 in their final European Championship qualifier courtesy of a Conor Clifford penalty in Kiev on Monday.
However that victory was not enough to secure qualification to this summer's finals in France as England sealed their place in the eight team finals with a 1-1 draw with Ukraine at the Borodinka venue in Kiev. Chelsea midfielder, Conor Clifford scored the only goal from the spot after 68 minutes- his second in as many matches as Ireland claimed second spot in group 3 ahead of European champions, Ukraine.
In a one-sided encounter, it was Ireland who created most of the scoring opportunities throughout the game as they looked to build on their goal difference which they hoped would help their qualification hopes had Ukraine defeated England 1-0.
Daniel Kearns had the games first real opportunity after 11 minutes when he skipped away from his marker on the right wing and his shot from the outside of his right-foot flashed agonisingly across the face of goal. Three minutes later, Conor Henderson tested their opponents keeper, Tino Divkovic with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards which the keeper tipped wide for a corner.
Mervue United keeper, Ger Hanley was called into action in the 15th minute when midfielder, Zlomislić powered a free-kick towards goal but the Galway man was on-hand to avert the danger. Galway United striker, Karl Sheppard had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring in the 24th minute when Conor Henderson cleverly chipped the ball over the defence which allowed Sheppard through one-on-one with Divkovic who raced off his line and blocked the powerful shot from point-blank range.
A minute later, Bosnia & Herzegovina striker, Pandza found himself in space inside the Irish box and with the goal at his mercy, he scuffed his shot and the ball dribbled wide of Hanley's post.
Arsenal's Conor Henderson had another opportunity to break the deadlock just before the break when his 25 yard shot was just off-target as Divkovic scrambled to cover his angles. Bosnia & Herzegovina defender, Alić was dismissed by the referee in the 44th minute when he performed a two-footed lunge on Irish midfielder, Daniel Kearns. The referee made no hesitation and gave the defender a straight red for dangerous play.
Ireland started the second half with the same vigor that they finished the first period. Chelsea's Conor Clifford had two remarkable long-range efforts within minutes of eachother as he struck the crossbar after 56 minutes from over 20 yards and two minutes later he had a similar effort which went just to the left and wide.
As Ireland pushed forward in numbers, it gave Bosnia & Herzegovina a number of opportunities to attack on the break and amazingly, striker, Pandza was guilty of missing another glorious chance as he fluffed his lines in front of Ireland's goal with just Ger Hanley to beat.
Bosnia & Herzegovina keeper, Divkovic was being kept busy by the attacking Irish and he pulled-off two remarkable saves, first from substitute Harry Crawford and then from Karl Sheppard who found space inside the box but the keeper was on-hand to scramble the ball clear and keep the game scoreless.
Ireland made the breakthrough in the 67th minute when Sunderland's Conor Hourihane won his side a penalty when he made a darting run into the opponents box and he was cynically hauled down by defender, Hadžić. Conor Clifford scored his second penalty in as many matches as he calmly put the ball to the keepers left to give Ireland the lead.
Ireland were unable to build on their lead in the final quarter of the game due to the stubbornness of the Bosnia & Herzegovina defence. Substitute, Ronan Murray looked very lively after his introduction after 69 minutes and he had an opportunity to score with ten minutes remaining but his shot was blocked by an on-rushing defender. From the resulting corner, Irish defender, John Dunleavy came agonisingly close when he headed over from three yards as he out-stretched his marker to get his head to the ball.
Republic of Ireland: Ger Hanley, Richard Towell, John Dunleavy, Sean McGinty, Shane McEleney, Conor Hourihane, Conor Clifford, Conor Henderson, Daniel Kearns, Shaun Timmins, Karl Sheppard.
Substitutes: Ian McLoughlin, Ronan Murray (on for Karl Sheppard,69 mins) , Stephen McDonnell, Andrew Boyle, Harrison Crawford (on for Daniel Kearns, 46 mins), James Keohane (on for Shaun Timmins, 33mins).
Ireland U19 captain, Conor Clifford has backed his team to defy all of the odds and reach this summer's UEFA Championship finals in France as they complete their UEFA Championship, elite qualifying phase with a game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday in Kiev. Ireland must defeat Bosnia & Herzegovina by four goals or more and hope that reigning European Champions, Ukraine defeat England 1-0 in the other game in group 3 to ensure qualification for the ‘Boys in Green.'
Sean McCaffrey's side were defeated 1-0 by England in the group's opening game while they bounced back to stun reigning European Champions, Ukraine with a 1-0 victory in Kiev last Friday. Bosnia & Herzegovina have struggled in group 3 to date with a 4-1 defeat to Ukraine which was followed up with a 4-0 defeat to England.
Chelsea star, Clifford said, "Qualification to this summer's finals is very much alive. Obviously we are relying on Ukraine doing us a favour in the final game but none of us are thinking about that - we are just concentrating on getting the result we need against Bosnia & Herzegovina. I think that getting an early goal will be vital in settling the team into the game. That would put the opposition under pressure and hopefully force a few errors. The Bosnian team haven't had the easiest time of it over here, they haven't come here to make up the numbers, they will be playing for pride and will want to go back home with points on the board," he said.
Clifford added, "In my opinion, Ukraine have an excellent chance in their game against England. Let's not forget that they are the current champions and they will be hoping to advance to the finals in front of their own supporters. They are a strong, physical side and they are very capable of taking the ball down and playing it around on the ground. There are a lot of twists and turns left in this group yet, be sure of that. Our result against England was a major set-back for all of the players and the staff in the team. We firmly believed that we should have least got a positive result in that game but that disappointment really spurred us on for the second game against Ukraine. The lads were fantastic, we all worked for each other on the field and to get a win against all the odds, especially with ten men was indescribable."
Chelsea's Youth captain, Clifford has been in instrumental form for club and country this season which he capped with the winning goal for Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup final against Aston Villa, "At the beginning of the season, I wrote down all of my goals that I wanted to achieve at Chelsea this year and thankfully they were all achieved. I started every game for the reserve team and to finish the season lifting the FA Youth Cup in front of all my family and friends at Stamford Bridge was an unbelievable achievement. That being said, that feat might be overshadowed if we were to qualify for this summer's UEFA Championship. A couple of the players here have already experienced the UEFA Championship finals at U17 level and it is something we want to repeat. Every player wants to experience the high intensity and the huge crowds associated with the finals and we will ensure that we are in a position to rely on Ukraine's result against England in the final game, which will hopefully see us through to the finals.
Clifford added, "Most of the players in this squad have been playing together for a number of years at international level with some notable success, especially at U17 level. Unfortunately, we have had to deal with a large number or withdrawals due to injury and players with other commitments. I believe that if we had a full squad we would have qualified but we can still do it. This is a great group of players who have been together for a number of seasons under Sean McCaffrey and his staff which has been very enjoyable. It would be a fitting tribute for everybody involved to finish the season with an unprecedented place at this European finals," he said.
Republic of Ireland Under-19 Squad:
Ger Hanley - Mervue United
Ian McLoughlin - Ipswich Town
Richie Towell - Celtic
Johnny Dunleavy - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Andy Boyle - UCD
Sean McGinty - Manchester United
Shaun Timmins - Birmingham City
Shane McEleney - Derry City
Conor Clifford - Chelsea
Conor Henderson - Arsenal
Conor Hourihane - Sunderland
Daniel Kearns - West Ham United
Jimmy Keohane - Wexford Youths
Robbie Brady - Manchester United *
Ronan Murray - Ipswich Town
Harry Crawford - Southend United.
Stephen McDonnell - Dundalk
Karl Sheppard - Galway United
*Suspended
