Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard has talked up the ability and first-team prospects of youngster Lewis Hall.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed more senior game time than anticipated this season, making six starts and one substitute outing in all competitions.
However, the last of those was a start in midfield during a goalless draw at Liverpool on January 21, the teenager dropping down the pecking order due to the return of Ben Chilwell from injury and the January arrivals.
That said, Hall is now back in contention due to another injury to Chilwell and Marc Cucurella still at least a week away from a return to action.
At his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League fixture with Nottingham Forest, Lampard has hinted that Hall will play some part of the clash at Stamford Bridge.
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Speaking to reporters, Lampard said: "Lewis has a chance. I was tempted to put him on last week (against Bournemouth) but because of the nature of the game, I felt that the experience of Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) in the game was more suitable.
"I will review this game on its merits as well but in terms of Lewis, I have been really impressed with his training. He's a very good player, a really talented player. If anything, he needs to come of himself that bit more because he should really trust how good he is and feel at home with the group.
"The games I have watched from afar - I didn't get to work with Lewis last time because he was a bit younger - I have been really impressed, and he hasn't dampened that at all. It's the opposite. He's in the running for the last four games to be involved."
Lampard was also quizzed on the decision for Hall to stay at Chelsea over the coming weeks, rather than link up with England for the Under-20s World Cup after he was selected.
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The temporary Chelsea boss acknowledged that it was his decision to keep Hall at the West Londoners, adding: "He would have wanted to play for his country and honoured to represent them.
"But also, he has come through this academy and will be desperate for opportunities and that is what I sense with him."
Chelsea head into the game sitting in 11th position in the Premier League standings, six points adrift of Fulham and just two points above 12th-placed Crystal Palace.
Lampard, who is expected to be replaced by Mauricio Pochettino in due course, will head into games with Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United during the final week of the season.
Darren Plant
