Lampard won’t force Abraham to play for Nigeria

Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard says the decision of Tammy Abraham to play for Nigeria at the senior level lies with the striker.

Sportinglife.ng reports that the 21 year old, who had represented England at junior level but yet to feature in a competitive game, became the youngest Chelsea player to score an hat-trick when he hit three goals in 5-2 victory over Wolves on Saturday.

Nigeria have not given up on persuading Abraham to switch to them, and when Lampard was asked if he had spoken to the player about that, he said: “No.

“I don’t really. That’s obviously not my choice. I know Tammy has been in England squads before and I’m not surprised Nigeria would want him. But it’s a question for him I suppose”.

Lampard added: “I have got confidence in him, I’m prepared to give him chances, but even more now, I’ll be tougher on him, because he has shown what he can do.

“The moment he wants to come off that and think goals will just drop at his feet will be a moment then that maybe he will be rested. So it’s important he makes sure he stays on his game.

“But I’m happy because I see him every day with a feeling like he just wants to play and score goals every game and that’s something a bit special. You don’t see that in all young players and it is a great gift in him.”