Frank Lampard assures regular gametime for emerging star

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has assured Callum Hudson-Odoi that he would remain central to his plans for the forthcoming campaign and beyond.

The young Englishman made his Blues debut during the previous campaign and he managed 24 appearances before sustaining a season-ending Achilles injury.

Since then, there have been doubts whether he would extend his contract beyond the summer of 2020, but Lampard is hoping that would be the case with the assurance of regular gametime.

"I am not going to say things that are pie in the sky but, with his talent, he can be central to this team, he can be central to England,’ he said in a press conference.

"He can show, right here at Chelsea, the team he came through the academy at, that he is going to be a world-class player – because I truly believe that. I will pay a lot of care and attention to Callum."

Hudson-Odoi barely got the chance to impress in the Premier League under former head coach Maurizio Sarri but his fortunes changed shortly after an unexpected England call-up in March.

Thereafter, he was able to earn four-straight Premier League starts for the Blues before suffering an Achilles tendon damage, which has ruled him out until September at the least.

At present, the Blues are in discussions over a new deal for the 18-year-old and reports have indicated that an agreement is close to completion as the teenager has been convinced that he would have a good future under Lampard.