Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has admitted that he is surprised to have broken into the first-team picture this season.

The 19-year-old midfielder started the first Premier League match of his career against Liverpool two weeks ago and has now made three league appearances for the champions.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho has stated that he expects the England Under-21 international to be a regular fixture in his squad next season, and Lofus-Cheek says that it has all happened quickly for him.

"I look back to pre-season and I didn't even go away with the first team, so it has been a massive jump," Loftus-Cheek told talkSPORT.

"I didn't expect to spend half the season in the first-team squad so I am really happy with how things have gone."

Loftus-Cheek began his youth career at Chelsea in 2004.

Written by
Steven Toplis