Despite a disappointing loan spell at Crystal Palace, Patrick Bamford could soon be in contention for a place in the Chelsea first team.
The 22-year old was expected to be loaned out once more this January, with Bournemouth allegedly keen on the striker, but according to the Daily Mail, these plans may have been aborted by Blues boss Guus Hiddink.
Although Bamford was given little chance to shine at Selhurst Park, his performances for Middlesbrough last season earned him plenty of admirers. Former assistant Ray Wilkins, who is close to Hiddink after their time together at the Bridge in 2009, is said to be among his fans.
Wilkins’ recommendation could be the catalyst of Bamford’s rise to the first team as goals have been in short supply this campaign.
The Mail reports that there has been a ‘swell of support for Patrick’ at Stamford Bridge recently.
Bamford’s stint with high-flying Palace was cut short after his first team opportunities dried up. The striker described the move as ‘terrible’ and risked the wrath of Alan Pardew, but the Palace boss acted with class when addressing the comment.
Patrick made a slight error after the game. I think he was a little bit emotional. He has addressed that.
He has learned from that experience and I would like to think he will be a very good player for Chelsea and England going forward.
