Wales youngster Ethan Ampadu is keen to force his way into the first-team reckoning at Chelsea next season.
The highly-rated young midfielder is currently on loan at Bundesliga side Red Bull Leipzig, but has so far made just three appearances for the German outfit.
Nevertheless, he has impressed for his country, helping Wales book a place at next summer’s European Championships, and he’s now set his sights on further impressing Blues boss Frank Lampard to win a regular place in his starting line-up.
"I want to show I don't have to go on another loan, go back to Chelsea and hopefully play more minutes there," he told The Sun. "That's the aim. It's what I want to do.
"At the moment, I have to train well, improve and get in the team and hopefully that will come for me for the next few years."
The rise of young players such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount this season has given Ampadu added hope that he can be a long-term hit at Stamford Bridge, although he is under no illusions over the task ahead of him.
"There is positivity around Chelsea with all the younger players playing and it gives you a good feeling about it," he added.
"Even last year or the year before when it was supposed they weren't playing young players you always wanted to be the one.
"Because we're all the same age we want to see each other do well. Of course you want to be on the pitch. They are good players."
The 19-year-old is similarly full of praise for Wales boss Ryan Giggs, whom he believes is also keen on developing young players, having seen a clutch of exciting talents emerge through the ranks.
He continued: "He's a good guy. He's put a lot of faith in the youngsters. I've had quite a few opportunities.
"It gives you a level of confidence and you want to give back and you want to play well to win the games."
