JOSH McEachran has been told by Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas that he is a big part of the club’s future.

And that means that the 18-year-old will not be allowed out on loan – for now at least.

McEachran broke into Chelsea’s first-team squad last season and made 17 appearances for them, 13 of which came as substitutes.

With the teenager eager to get more match-time under his belt, he asked Villas-Boas in the summer if he could go out on loan to gain more experience.

But he was told that he was staying at Stamford Bridge.

“I asked to go on loan at the start of the season if I wasn’t going to get games, but the manager told me that I was going to get chances this season at Chelsea,” he said.

“Hopefully I can get more games this season – that’s my aim.”

It was a whirlwind first season for McEachran, whose emergence into Chelsea’s first-team alongside world-class players saw the left-footed midfielder draw praise from all quarters as he racked up a serious of firsts.

A first Premier League appearance, a first taste of the Champions League, a first England Under 21 cap and a first Premier League start.

McEachran was named Chel-sea’s young player of the year, and shows no sign of letting up this season, scoring his maiden goal for the first team in a pre-season friendly win over Aston Villa.

Also on the scoresheet that day was a certain Fernando Torres.

His value to Chelsea was made evident when the club offered – and he duly signed – a new five-year contract last month.

However, with the London side having yesterday brought in Juan Mata and also targeting Luca Modric to bolster their midfield, will McEachran’s chances become more limited?

“I had a good pre-season and hope to be more involved this season under the new manager,” he said.

“You have just got to get used to it (the speculation). There are always top-class players linked with Chelsea.

“I just want to be a Chelsea player so it was a very easy decision to sign a new contract.

“In training every day you have world class players all around you so you learn all the time.

“Players like John Terry and Frank Lampard always give 100 per cent, every day. It’s why they are top players.”

And the McEachran-Chelsea connection could continue for years to come – youngest brother George is playing for the club’s under 12 side.

Could they both don the famous blue shirts?

“We’ll have to see,” Josh added. “Maybe.”

You wouldn’t bet against it.

Josh McEachran supports The FA Mars Just Play programme aimed at all players regardless of experience or ability. Search online for Just Play