Rob Edwards’ Forest Green Rovers side were knocked out of the Papa John’s Trophy in the round of 32 on Tuesday, after Chelsea defeated the Nailsworth outfit 4-1 on penalties.
The game was watched by several scouts, surely casting an eye upon some of Chelsea’s youngsters with a view to a January loan move.
Edwards managed to cast his eye over the talented squad first-hand, and you’d surely expect that Cobham’s finest would be of interest to with the view to a potential move.
With that in mind, here are three Chelsea players that could end up at the Fully Charged New Lawn next month.
Xavier Simons
The 18-year-old captained Andy Myers’ side on Tuesday, impressing in the middle of the pitch with his combative nature and ability to lead by example, even alongside the more experienced Lewis Baker.
Simons was given a tough task to go toe-to-toe with Rovers’ Regan Hendry, who has been one of the standout midfielders in League Two – but passed the test with flying colours, as Hendry endured a tough night for Rob Edwards’ side.
He certainly looks every-bit the Football League midfielder, and his performance proved that he’d be more than ready to take on the challenge of League Two, possibly even League One if given the chance.
Tariq Uwakwe
Uwakwe netted Chelsea’s only goal of the night and caused issues for Rovers’ backline all-night long, with the versatile Nigerian often finding himself in some great advanced positions throughout.
He has previously been loaned out to Accrington Stanley, appearing on 25 occasions for John Coleman’s side. Uwakwe also spent time on trial at Sheffield Wednesday this summer, but despite impressing Darren Moore, a deal couldn’t be reached.
The 22-year-old has previously stated that he would be willing to play at wing-back, and given Rovers’ need for cover in that position, it could well be a great opportunity for the youngster, even if it’s not in League One.
George McEachran
McEachran is a name that will be familiar to most at Cobham, but normally you’d associate it with 28-year-old ex-Chelsea man Josh McEachran.
McEachran has previously had two different loans in Holland, but they were both short lived due to ‘personal reasons.’ He impressed at the New Lawn, enjoying some success down the right-hand side and on another day could’ve registered a goal.
At 21-years-old, it’s make or break time for the midfielder, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
There were big expectations for the player after international success with England’s U17 side, but he needs to show his talents at first-team level if he is to stand a chance at gaining another contract at Stamford Bridge.
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