Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says the club's supporters are enjoying seeing the academy players playing in the first-team.
Four academy graduates - Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Fikayo Tomori - started in the 2-1 win over Lille on Wednesday, with Callum Hudson-Odoi also coming off the bench.
The club's transfer ban has forced Lampard to field more youth this season, and the former Blues midfielder thinks it has been a hit for the fans.
"We appreciate the work the academy are doing," Lampard told BT Sport.
"The fans and club love it and the players are enjoying it. There were signs of team improvement tonight.
"Reece James, for instance, was thrown in and looked so comfortable. The only reason I took him off was tactical and fitness because he hasn't played too many games. Fikayo Tomori was outstanding again. He has to keep on with that.
"They did well tonight, it was a tough game, but they can do even better."
