Ruben Loftus-Cheek reckons Chelsea’s academy prospects only need to look at the likes of John Terry for proof that they can one day break into the first-team setup.

The 18-year-old will make his Blues debut in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon at Stamford Bridge.

It is a day the tall midfielder has been waiting for since he first walked through the doors at Chelsea as an eight-year-old kid with high hopes of carving out a career in the game.

Skipper: Chelsea's John Terry after sustaining an injury

Not since skipper Terry, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Sunday, has an academy graduate truly made his mark at senior level for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Terry has been given the night off with qualification from Group G already secured and last season’s FA Youth Cup winning captain is ready to step into the spotlight.

Loftus-Cheek said: “It’s amazing for me. I’ve been here since I was eight so even just to train with the first team is great for me.

Experience: Chelsea's Didier Drogba during training

“I’ve watched Chelsea since I was a young kid on the TV hoping that one day I might be able to play at Stamford Bridge.

“We’re all very excited to be training with the first team and getting opportunities to play with the big boys out there.

“I get along with most of them, especially John [Terry], who is a role model for me and anybody in the academy.

Dynamic duo: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

“We look up to him and Drogba, the seniors in the squad, who help out a lot. When you go out there for the first time it can be daunting but it’s about taking it in your stride.

“You need to be confident. Don’t be scared to try things when you train with them. It’s a good squad at the moment but I think we’ve got some good talent coming through.

“It’s not going to be easy to break through with that squad, but you can’t be negative. You’ve got to be positive otherwise you won’t get anywhere near.”

Idol: Chelsea's John Terry

Mourinho confirmed on Tuesday that Loftus-Cheek would be handed his debut against Sporting and says it will be a great occasion, not just for him, but for the club’s academy.

He added: "The first time Ruben trained with me was 18 months ago. In this moment, in the last two or three weeks, he's been training every day.

"So, in 18 months, I think he remembers every word or feedback he's had in first-team development. This stability is important.

Working hard: Didier Drogba and Mohamed Salah arrive for training

"The people in the academy feel they are working for something, which is why tomorrow, another boy who arrived at Cobham at eight, is not Ruben's day but 'academy day'."

Terry, Eden Hazard and Willian will play no part after being afforded a rest by Mourinho but top scorer Diego Costa will play as he continues to build-up his fitness levels.

Follow all the build-up, matchday action and post-game reaction from Chelsea v Sporting Lisbon here on GetWestLondon.