The 19-year-old came off the bench in our win over New England Revolution on Wednesday night and, from his position at right-back, delivered one teasing cross that almost led to Pedro scoring.

His appearance at the Gillette Stadium was just reward for not only a sensational first loan in the Championship with Wigan, in which he won their three main Player of the Year awards, but also his continued excellence in our Academy teams prior to that.

‘I’ve always had that dream of coming on and playing for my boyhood club, and I am thankful I got to fulfil it,’ James told the official Chelsea website. ‘It’s a dream come true.

‘It is great involvement for me, getting to play with players I have watched as I have been coming through at Chelsea, players who have won Champions Leagues, World Cups.

‘I found out a few days before I would be coming out on the trip and I was really excited. I just take in my stride really. I remain focused and now I will try and help the squad build up to the Europa League final.