Chelsea striker hopes to force his way into Mourinho's thinking

Patrick Bamford reckons helping Middlesbrough mount a Championship promotion push is the best way for him to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s thinking.

The 21-year-old is one of a number of Blues youngsters plying their trade at the Riverside as part of a growing link between the two clubs.

Mourinho’s friendship with Boro manager Aitor Karanka has been the key to Bamford making the move north and the young striker is looking to make a big impact.

He is initially on loan until January, although there is scope to extend the move until the end of the season, but is still hopeful his long-term future lies at Stamford Bridge.

“Success at Boro is the priority because doing well here is the key to me taking the next step,” Bamford told the Teesside Gazette.

“I have to be honest and say at the end of the day I want to be a Chelsea first team player.

“But to do that I know I need to make a success of my time at Boro. I need to get games, play well and score goals.

“I need the experience but I’m not here to go through the motions. I have to play well. I have to get into the team here, stay there and score.

“The best thing for me is to be a regular part of a team up there challenging for promotion.

"If I can do that here then I know that really improves my chances there.”

Bamford is one of three Chelsea loanees at Boro alongside Nigerian World Cup defender Kenneth Omeruo and England Under-21 keeper Jamal Blackman.

Boro have also been linked with a move for Lewis Baker.