Reece James reveals he has a Frank Lampard shirt hanging over his bed

Chelsea starlet Reece James has revealed he has a shirt signed by his manager hanging over his bed. 

The Blues right back has been given the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League this season with Frank Lampard a big admirer of the defender. 

And it seems the admiration is mutual as the 20-year-old grew up idolising his current boss. 

Reece James has revealed he grew up idolising current Chelsea manager Frank Lampard

James is enjoying his first full season at Chelsea following his successful loan spell at Wigan

James, speaking in an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, said: ‘I got taken into the Chelsea dressing room, they gave me a shirt and all the players signed it, including John Terry and a lot of others.

‘It’s still at my parents’ house today, hung over my bed. Frank Lampard’s name is on it – I haven’t told him so I’m not sure he knows, but he’s definitely on there!’ 

James is happy to be plying his trade under a Stamford Bridge legend after returning to his boyhood club after a successful loan spell at Wigan. 

Lampard represented Chelsea with distinction as a player and is now their first-team manager

The England Under 21 full back revealed Lampard tried to bring him to Derby last January but it didn’t materialise because he was content at the Latics. 

He added: ‘He wanted to sign me for Derby last January, but it didn’t go through. I was happy playing at Wigan. 

‘It was good to know he rated me, although that was at Championship level, and when you get a big job at a Premier League team, sometimes minds can change. But we spoke when he arrived and he said he wanted to give me a chance. 

‘I was injured, and he told me to come back in the best shape possible. I’m thankful that I’ve got to work with him.’

James, who has played 25 games under Lampard this season, will be hoping to start on Sunday when Everton visit Stamford Bridge.