Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says he will be even tougher on Tammy Abraham following the youngster’s latest brilliant performance.
The striker, 20, scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 win at Wolves to take his tally to seven goals in three matches.
Abraham was not included in England’s recent squad but looks well on course for a call-up next month.
He has justified the faith shown in him by Lampard – but the manager wants even more from him.
Lampard said: “To score seven goals in three games, be top scorer and play with the quality he has been – the three different types of goal are exactly what you want; a messy one, a good header and then a fantastic finish.
“He has to sustain it and he has to get even better. He has to be hungry, which I know he is, and he can never rest on his laurels because there’s more work to be done.
“The England squad is a few weeks away, so he needs to keep playing at that level and he’ll have a great chance.
“I’ve got confidence in him and I’m prepared to give him chances, but even more now I’ll be tougher on him because he’s shown what he can do.
“So the moment he wants to come off that and think that goals will just drop at his feet will be the moment that maybe he will be rested.
“So it’s important that he makes sure that he stays on his game. But I’m happy because I see him every day with a feeling that he just wants to play and score goals.”
Mason Mount also further enhanced his reputation in the victory at Molineux, scoring his third goal of the season.
And another Chelsea youngster, Fikayo Tomori, also impressed.
Tomori, who played under Lampard on loan at Derby last season, scored a cracking goal and performed well in a three-man defence.
“The confidence and improvement in Tomori since he came to Derby at the start of last season – he was already a good young player, but the confidence in him and the personality on the pitch is a great story.
“I knew he could step in because he has pace, defended really well and I’m delighted for what that (goal) can do for him.”
On a less positive note for Chelsea, Antonio Rudiger is being assessed after picking up another injury.
The German centre-back, returning to the side after a knee problem, appears to be a doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League game against Valencia.
“Rudiger has a groin issue,” Lampard confirmed.
“As he came off the pitch near me, he slipped on the metal. Hopefully it’s not too bad.
“It was more than a precaution because he did feel some pain. Hopefully it’s a quick turnaround.”