Mount is a big fan of Lamps

MASON MOUNT has spent half his career studying Frank Lampard as a player in minute detail – and now the Chelsea youngster has the chance to put those lessons into practice.

Midfielder Mount (above), who has just signed a five-year contract, has been told he will be part of the Blues first-team squad this season.

Boss Lampard, who has used the England Under-21 star extensively in pre-season, took the 20-year-old with him on loan to Derby last term and the skilful schemer scored eight goals in 35 games as the Rams reached the Championship play-off final.

The new Chelsea manager watched Mount come through the ranks at Stamford Bridge, and the fact that the youngster had worked with his assistants Jody Morris, Joe Edwards and Eddie Newton meant Lamps (left) knew all about one of the young prospects he pledged to give a chance to. But it wasn’t as much as Mount knew about him.

The youth players at Chelsea are given a player to study, break down their play and analyse minutely. They can pick any player and Mount chose Lampard.

He said: “Being at Chelsea and being a midfielder, he was the one I always looked up to. Watching his game, trying to learn from him and working first-hand with him.

“There’s no one better to learn from and speak to.

“The coaches would tell us to look at his game, see how he made it into the box, scores goals, made assists.”

Where before the path to the Chelsea first-team always seemed to be blocked by the latest big-money signing, with Lampard in charge and a transfer ban young players will be needed and there is suddenly a chance for Mount to make his mark at the Bridge.

“It’s exciting times, but there’s no given,” he said. “Even if you have been at Chelsea a long time it doesn’t matter. I’m working hard to prove I can step up.

“There’s no promises, not a chance. You have to prove yourself. He’s said that.”