Tammy in ‘monster’ challenge

JOSE MOURINHO is trying to turn Tammy Abraham from Mr Nice Guy into a monster at Roma.

The 24-year-old Chelsea star went to Italy in a £34million deal in the summer and has scored five goals in 17 games.

And asked what Mourinho (above) was teaching him, he said: “Just to be a monster, really.

“One of the things he said was I was too much of a nice player and that you have to show that aggressiveness as you’re getting older as a striker.

“You need that character, you need that presence to frighten defenders. That’s something I’m learning and getting better at.”

Abraham admits his World Cup aspirations crossed his mind when he pondered Roma’s offer because he didn’t want to be out of sight and out of mind with England boss Gareth Southgate.

But he also considered what Serie A had done for the all-round game of Romelu Lukaku, the man he knew he’d struggle to get past for game time at Stamford Bridge.

He added: “One thing I didn’t expect was Italy to be so tough.

“Players are very smart and defending is very important in the Italian style of play, so it was about learning the other side.

“In England, we’re so used to ‘attack, attack, attack’ and it’s about learning how to break down those teams.”

Abraham, a second-half sub for England against Albania, was itching to get on as the goals flew in.

He said: “Especially in the first half when the boys are scoring and getting so many chances you wish you were on the pitch, to go and tap one in.

“We didn’t expect the game to go that way and credit to everyone who played a part in it.

“Hopefully in San Marino there will be a few goals and maybe I can be on the pitch to get a few.”