Former Chelsea starlet Josh McEachran believes Ruben Loftus-Cheek can make it at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old was once labeled as the next Frank Lampard, and although he made his debut at 17 he couldn't cement a place in the first-team due to a surplus of world-class talent.

But the ex-Blues midfielder has shunted suggestions that Chelsea’s wealth will stem the pathway for academy graduates.

“Yeah, definitely it is possible (for academy players to establish themselves),” said new Brentford signing McEachran.

“You just need the manager to trust you and rely on you. I think the youngsters coming through at the moment definitely have a chance.”

The central midfielder, who was loaned out to Watford, Middlesbrough, Wigan and Vitesse Arnhem in recent years, has liked what he’s seen of the new graduates.

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One of those was Loftus-Cheek, who has been seen as the next big thing at Stamford Bridge, although Jose Mourinho gave the youngster a reality check on their post-season tour in Australia.

The midfielder explained: “They’re a few years younger than me, like Ruben, so I haven’t really played games with them but I've seen a lot of them and they really impressed me.”

But McEachran was quick to warn any youngsters not to get big-headed until they have reached the very top and advised them to copy John Terry's example.

He added: “The only advice that I would give is that you haven’t done anything until you’re at JT’s level. All the trophies, all the caps for England.

“So, if you’re a 17 year old lad going on pre-season, you haven’t really done anything - you just need to strive to do what the captain did.”