Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has hit out at claims he's dropped plans to give the club's youngsters a first team chance.
Despite the outside perception that additional recruitment this summer would squeeze the opportunities for the homegrown players who burst onto the scene so spectacularly in Lampard's first season in charge, the boss never doubted their resilience and ability to adapt.
"I read some articles and heard some people saying 'that'll be the end of it and you won't see these young boys again' but I always had a strong belief that the young players who have come through the Academy would compete again this year," he stated.
"Look at the performances of Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Mason Mount. Fikayo Tomori is staying patient at the minute, Billy Gilmour is back fit – I have absolutely no problem in throwing these young boys in.
"They're a great part of the make-up of our squad so I'm really pleased their levels are rising. My job is just to pick the best team to win a game. Nobody is going to give me medals for debuts or Academy appearances. I have to try to pick the best so it's up to the players themselves."
