Chelsea youngster Patrick Bamford has revealed that he was due to play a bigger part for Jose Mourinho's team this season, until the return of Didier Drogba meant he ended up on loan in the Championship.
The 21-year-old will ply his trade at Middlesbrough until at least January, where he hopes to improve his game and force his way into Mourinho's thoughts.
"The original plan was to stay at Chelsea and be a third striker," Bamford is quoted as saying by the Northern Echo. "But the chance came to bring Didier [Drogba] back and he is obviously a legend at the club. Jose said I could stay if I really wanted but he said for my development, and to make sure I am ready for Chelsea, the best option for me was to go out and play again. And I agreed with that.
"But I am happy to be patient and wait for my time. I know what the plan is for me. When I first signed for Chelsea they didn't really think, with the odd exception, that most players would be either emotionally or mature enough to play in the first team until they were 22 or 23. So if I keep biding my time until then and keep improving, hopefully I will get my chance."
Middlesbrough head to Charlton Athletic in the Championship later this afternoon.
Phil Archbold
