Abraham happy to finally get off mark for Blues

TAMMY Abraham admits a tough start to life as a Premier League striker with Chelsea spurred him on as his brace at Norwich secured Frank Lampard his first win as Blues boss.

After starting the season with defeat at Manchester United, a Super Cup penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool and a draw at home to Leicester, Lampard finally tasted victory with a 3-2 success at Carrow Road.

It was a special afternoon, too, for Abraham as he hit his first goals for Chelsea, having joined the academy in 2004.

Loan spells away from Stamford Bridge helped Abraham hone his craft, but he had yet to find the net for Chelsea, missing his penalty in the shoot-out against Liverpool, leading to the 21-year-old being racially abused on social media.

But now the England international is among the goals for the Europa League holders and wants to kick on after a successful day in East Anglia.

“I have always believed in myself,” Abraham said. “I know I have had a bit of a sticky time at the start of the season, but I’m someone who doesn’t let that affect me. It drives me on.”

Abraham opened the scoring with a fine finish on three minutes, with fellow youngster Mason Mount also hitting the back of the net in an entertaining first half which saw Norwich draw level twice through Todd Cantwell and Teemu Pukki.

After scoring his first goal Abraham, who settled the contest with a well-taken second-half strike, celebrated by embracing Lampard and paid tribute to his new boss.

“It’s always nice to have that support behind you, especially how he supports the young lads,” he said.