Cesar hails talisman Abraham

CESAR AZPILICUETA believes Tammy Abraham’s sheer desire will take him to the very top of the game.

Chelsea’s young England striker returned from a hip injury on Wednesday to head his 13th goal of the season for club and country.

Abraham also brilliantly set up Mason Mount for the winner as the Blues beat Aston Villa 2-1. Chelsea skipper Azpilicueta said:

“Not only is he scoring goals, he is playing for the team, recovering the ball.

“He made a tackle in our own half that was an amazing effort. He made an assist as well.

“I am not just looking into his goals as a number because he is doing more than that.

“I am confident that he can get many more goals because of the way he is working and improving since he started pre-season. He has the potential to go even higher.

“I know we are still in December, with a lot of games to go, but with his passion and hunger he is capable of getting to the top.

“Tammy’s desire is amazing. When he was injured he wanted to come back as soon as possible. For him, it was special to play against Villa, where he won promotion to the Premier League.

“I am very happy for him because he showed that strength of character to play. He was a key player for us.”

The 22-year-old Abraham did not celebrate his goal out of respect for Villa, where he was on target 26 times during a loan spell last season. Azpilicueta added: “He was playing with confidence in the Championship, which is not an easy league for a young lad to play in.

“He showed his desire in pre-season to be a striker for Chelsea.

“It’s something he dreamt about and he worked for it through the academy.

“He got his chance and is making the most of it.”

ANDROS Townsend has opened his heart about his gambling addiction and revealed that he lost £46,000 in one night.

The Crystal Palace and former England winger revealed how being fined £18,000 by the FA for gambling in 2013 and handed a four-month ban proved a turning point in his career.

Townsend, now 28, said: “I managed to lose 46 grand with just one tap of my phone. I didn’t even have to leave my bed.

“I’m probably the only lad in history to lose £46,000 lying in bed on aWednesday night in Blackpool.

“I just kept losing, kept trying to dig myself out of the hole.Then, in the blink of an eye, I’m completely addicted.”

Townsend had counselling, which saved his career.