Lampard: Chelsea must stick with youngsters

Video: HaytersTV

Frank Lampard has pledged to keep developing Chelsea’s youngsters despite the expected arrival of new players.

The Blues have been widely tipped to make signings next month after their transfer ban was lifted following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Manager Lampard is keen to bring in reinforcements but has insisted there must be no return to the days of Chelsea overlooking young players.

He pointed to Mason Mount’s outstanding display in the recent win at Tottenham as proof that his approach can pay off.

“His performance against Tottenham was a great example of why you want to stick with and have patience with these young players,” Lampard said.

“He’s a young boy. There will be moments when a game will be difficult for him and he’ll learn and the next one he’ll be better.

“Then there will be games like the other day where we saw the player that he is.

“I think if we’re not patient and if we don’t stick with the players there might be a situation like we had here before where absolute top world-class players had been at Chelsea when they were 20 or 21.

“Managers maybe didn’t stick with them so much then. I’m in a position where I’m going to stick with them.”

Meanwhile, Cesar Azpilicueta, who picked up a knock against Spurs, will be assessed ahead of the Boxing Day game at home to Southampton.