Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is excited by the potential of Reece James and is hoping that the fullback can make an impact on the first team after recovering from an ankle injury.

The 19-year-old has been tipped to make his first-team debut this evening against Grimsby Town, and Lampard has said he wants to see whether the defender has what it takes to perform at the highest level:

“He is strong, has really good quality on the ball in terms of the delivery he can put in from the sides. He is good in the tackle as he is a powerful boy.”

“I was really impressed with him as a young player before he went to Wigan and also from how he responded to the Championship, so it is up to him now to try to make an impact on the squad here.”

James’ first game has been keenly anticipated by fans since the beginning of the campaign. An operation to fix ligaments in his ankle back in August delayed his introduction to the team, but he has been building up his fitness with the Under 23s in recent weeks.

After being named in the Championship team of the year playing for Wigan last season, there is a great deal of hype surrounding the right-back. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his first game.