Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has revealed how youngsters Billy Gilmour and Tino Anjorin have earned Champions League starts this evening for the clash with Krasnodar.
Gilmour starts for the Blues this evening for the first time since returning from his knee injury, while Anjorin has earned his first-ever senior start.
Chelsea are in action against Krasnodar at Stamford Bridge and Lampard has rotated with his side already securing their passage through to the next stage.
The Blues wrapped up top spot in their group with a 4-0 win over Sevilla last week, affording Lampard the luxury of making changes for the Krasnodar clash with evening.
Asked about the rotation, Lampard told BT Sport: "We did it in Seville last week but we still needed a result.
"I was delighted to see the reaction of the players who came in with those who maybe haven't had so many regular minutes showing they deserved to play and taking opportunities.
"It's a similar night tonight. We do need to rest some players who have played lots of minutes and who played a high-intensity game against Leeds on the weekend.
"But more importantly, we have players who are training and deserve to play, so it's a nice option for me."
Lampard also explained why he started Gilmour tonight. Asked about the competition the highly-rated youngster faces, he added: "That's Chelsea and that's what happens at any top club in the Premier League, so you have to show yourself and he has done that daily in training.
"He has come back from a nasty injury, but he is ready to go. He can play many positions in the midfield and he can play very competently.
"He is going to be a very big player for the club, so I am delighted he gets the start."
Gilmour's talent is well-known to Chelsea fans but Anjorin is yet to show his talent on the first-team stage having only made two appearances for the seniors previously.
Nevertheless, Lampard says the 19-year-old is 'ready' having proven himself in training, much like his fellow prospect Gilmour.
"It is a big test for him but from what he has shown in training," he said.
"He has the ability, a lot of ability and it's a big test.
"Champions League football is a very high level and no matter what people say about the game tonight, it is top-level and it will be a great test.
"How he has trained, how he was in the academy, he has shown he is ready."
