LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is confident Thami Abraham can continue his form and maintain his place in the squad at the expense of his more experienced peers, after the striker opened the scoring in the 2-1 win over Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Striker Abraham, a Nigerian and English national, celebrated his 22nd birthday by opening the scoring against the French team and then Brazil's Willian - in his 300th appearance for the "Blues" - won after Victor Ossemen equalized for Lampard's first victory in the tournament.
This is Abraham's eighth goal in all competitions this season, and Lampard has praised the striker's strong start, keeping Olivier Giroud and Michi Pachway on the bench.
Lampard told a news conference that the striker "has an aversion to goals and gives the team everything and has efficiency when the ball is between his feet as it evolves and shows that .. Competition is there. or not".
"At the moment, Tammy is performing very well. This is his first goal in the Champions League and we hope to see more of him and perform like that."
After Abraham's performance, England coach Gareth Southgate, who is set to announce his squad for the Czech Republic and Bulgaria in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, will be hard to ignore.
Despite playing two friendlies with England two years ago, Abraham could play for Nigeria and the striker said he had not yet determined his international future.
"It's an honor for both teams to want to play in their ranks. I love them," Abraham told the BBC. "I definitely do a good job with Chelsea. My time will come."
"I have not decided yet. I am concentrating with the club. I grew up in a region with a different cultural background. I am aware that Nigeria is a big country."