“Big opportunity” – Liam Delap’s father sends warning to him over tough task he faces at Chelsea | OneFootball

Rory Delap has admitted he’s proud of his son Liam , but warned he’s got a lot of work to do to force his way back into the Chelsea side.

Delap joined Chelsea in the summer for £30m after he suffered relegation with Ipswich last season, and was one of five attacking signings.

The England under-21 international made his debut at the Club World Cup, and scored twice against AC Milan in a pre-season friendly.

Rory Delap on Liam Delap and Chelsea

Delap unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury against Fulham at the end of August, and only returned to action at the end of October.

He returned in the second half of the Carabao Cup tie against Wolves, but it didn’t go to plan as Delap got himself sent off.

Delap returned to action in October after a hamstring injury. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

The striker subsequently missed the game against Spurs, before playing the second half on Wednesday night against Qarabag.

Delap could be in line to start against Wolves, but his dad Rory warned he’s got a lot of work to do to get back into the side.

“He’s not there yet,” he told The Derbyshire FA/Derby Uni Footy Journos podcast On The Grass

“He’s had a big move in the summer to Chelsea, a big opportunity for him.

“Liam’s been unfortunate with the (hamstring) injury, he started well in America and then the start of the season, but he’s got a lot to do to force his way into the team now.”

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The return of Delap is a huge boost for Chelsea and gives them a real focal point at the top end of the pitch, which they’ve missed.

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It also allows Joao Pedro to operate in the number ten position, and the prospect of the Brazilian playing off Delap is an exciting one.

It worked to great effect in the 5-1 win away at West Ham, but it’s barely been seen since then, and it will be interesting to see if Maresca plays them both against Wolves on Saturday.