Chelsea full-back Reece James has revealed that it is 'dream' to make his first team debut for Chelsea, and that he feels that he will get the chance under new head coach Frank Lampard.
James is highly thought of at Stamford Bridge, especially after impressing on loan at Championship side Wigan Athletic last season. The 19-year-old played 46 times in all competitions for the Latics, scoring three goals.
He returned to Chelsea with the hope of impressing in pre-season in order to make a claim for first team football. However, an ankle injury picked up during international duty for England U20 put an end to that, with the defender spending pre-season undergoing rehabilitation.
The teenager is now on the road to recovery and has his eye on a debut for the club he supports.
“At the end of the day, if you’re a footballer, your job is to play,” James told The Independent . “I would always prefer to play than sit around.
"If I’m not, I’m not going to be happy, but there are certain situations where you have to be patient.
"Frank Lampard is a club legend; he’s someone I’ve always looked up to. If a manager believes in youth and believes in you then, eventually, you know the chance will come.
"Ever since I’ve been at Chelsea, my dream has been to become a first-team player.
“This is the team I support,” he says. “This has always been my dream: to make my debut for Chelsea. The dream I had when I first played for the club as a youngster. I’m more motivated than I’ve ever been…and I’d like to think I never take a step back.”
