Midfielder Trevoh Chalobah believes the Blues are capable of beating Stoke at Portman Road on Saturday if they play as they did at Norwich last Sunday and against Derby on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old was among Town’s top performers as the Blues drew 1-1 with the Rams and was named the sponsors’ man of the match.

“It’s going to be another tough game for us and every game is a final now because of the position we’re in,” Chalobah, who is on loan from Chelsea for the season.

“If we play like we did on Sunday and tonight then we can win.
“We take the games one by one, nail the points down in every game and if we can do that then it will be good.”

Reflecting on Wednesday’s result and performance, the England U20 international added: “It was disappointing not to get the win but the boys dug in as a team and did well.

“Conceding early has been a big part of our games but if we can cut that out and start games like we played after their goals in every game that’s left, then we will have a good chance.

“Norwich are a really strong team and we matched both them and Derby, but now we need to keep taking these performances into every game we play now. We have to have that mentality.”

Chalobah formed a youthful Blues midfield with Teddy Bishop and Flynn Downes on Wednesday with Andre Dozzell, like Downes also an England U20 international, coming off the bench later in the game.

“It shows that the players that get thrown in are ready to perform no matter what,” the Sierra Leone-born Londoner continued.

“The hard graft and the work we put in was big and we have to do that again.

“We have all different abilities in this team with Andre with his passing, Bish with his dribbling and if we can all get that working together then it will be good.”

While operating in central midfield for Town, Chalobah has tended to play at the centre of the defence at Chelsea and for England teams.

“Ever since I was young I’ve always been switching round with my position but I’ve always given 100 per cent,” he explained.

“I can play centre-back and midfield but this season I just want to play wherever the manager wants to put me.

“For now I’m happy to be versatile and I think I’ve shown I can play this midfield role but, when I do get thrown in at centre back, I’ll be ready.”

He feels he might have added to his two goals for the Blues in the last few matches.

“I think in recent games I’ve been getting chances and I have to keep going. Hopefully more will come my way,” he said.

Chalobah says he has learnt a lot during his time at Town, now having made 28 starts and four sub appearances. It is his first spell out on loan and, despite having been on the bench for last season's FA Cup final, is still to make his senior Chelsea debut.

“I think the last few months I’ve learnt off the ball that in this league there’s a lot of hard work and running,” he reflected. “I think I’ve stepped up to that and improved this season.

“It’s so different to the U23s, that’s kids’ football really, but stepping up into the Championship is a lot different. There’s more physicality and that’s only going to help me.

“It’s been a learning curve for me, the position we’re in, because at Chelsea you are obviously used to winning, but for me it’s so important that I learn from this and get stronger.

“I didn’t expect to play as many games but I hope I can carry on playing until the end of the season.

“It’s really hard being in this position. When I was younger I used to watch teams on TV battling against relegation and now I’m actually playing in one.

“For me it’s about us all sticking together and believing we can do it.

“People from the outside might look at this as a bad loan for me but it’s been a good one I think.

“Obviously this is not the position we want to be in but for me to get the games with good players is great.

“I play with freedom whenever I’m on the pitch and I’m not afraid of anything.”

He says the legion of Chelsea players on loan keep in regular contact with one another.

“We have a group chat that we’re in and we congratulate each other if we get a goal or a man of the match or something like that,” he added.

“We stay in contact and that’s really good. Chelsea are really happy that I’ve come here and played so many games.”

Chalobah praised the way the Town support has stayed behind their team despite such a difficult season: “The crowd has been fantastic since day one and that’s what’s keeping us going.

“The love from the fans is great so hopefully they will stay with us until the end.”

Photo: TWTD

Bert added 13:01 - Feb 15 Rooted to the bottom of the championship and relegation very likely we should all be miserable. But, with a passionate manager and a style of play that is beginning to come together, I can honestly say I have enjoyed this season more than the last one. Gone is the bad blood between manager and supporters, the atmosphere has been great and players are responding. It is a really weird feeling !

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jong75 added 14:05 - Feb 15 I thought chalobah was outstanding on wednesday. Same starting line up please. I still believe kadyn jackson has something to offer with a team trying to play on the deck rather than hoofball.
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dirtydingusmagee added 15:44 - Feb 15 just wish we had a decent striker, it really has cost us a lot of points this season .
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blueboy1981 added 17:47 - Feb 15 Chalobah works his socks off, shame his ball control doesn't match his work rate at the moment, but that will come - make no mistake, he is going to be one hell of a player in the not too distant future.
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heathen66 added 19:10 - Feb 15 Has been an absolute star this season for us. You have to remind yourself sometimes and realise that he is only 19. Has a passion about the game on and off the pitch. However it is not entirely the lack of goals that have cost us this season (although it has not helped) it has been the lack of ability to defend. I believe we have some decent players in Harrison and Jackson, but like many players including seasoned internationals sometimes need tome to adapt. In fairness they have not been given a sustained run in the side playing a a 2 up top (we have only just started that with Keane and Quaner. If it is L1 or actually still in the CH next season they could well be trump cards.

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Churchman75 added 20:41 - Feb 15 Trevor Come back to us next season pleeeeeese 🙌
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BigHibbs added 00:33 - Feb 16 Seen a lot of town fans being negative about him. (Not on this comment thread) . As a gambling man I'd wager good money that he plays in the senior team for Chelsea one day. Much better going forward than he's given credit for, strong and frightening quick. He's going right to the top
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ITFCsince73 added 13:36 - Feb 16 He's shown us why Chealsea think so much of him. And 19 years old. Wow .
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