Who will join Frank Lampard's Blues? Get our daily Chelsea newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Patrick Bamford hopes his Middlesbrough heroics will be a launchpad for him to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s plans at Chelsea.

Bamford, on loan from Chelsea, scored Boro’s first and set up their second in their epic FA Cup upset over champions Manchester City.

The 21-year-old, who has 10 goals this season, is desperate to establish himself at Chelsea and hopes his fine form will convince Mourinho to give him a chance.

“I hope so,” said Bamford. “I’ve played against three Premier League teams - Sunderland, Liverpool and now City – and scored against all of them. I think it’s shown I can cut it at the top level, but we’ll see what happens.”

(Image: Getty)

Bamford’s cause is helped by the fact Boro boss Aitor Karanka is a close ally of Mourinho, having worked for three years as the Chelsea manager’s assistant at Real Madrid, something not lost on the aspiring young star.

“Yeah, they’re always in touch,” said Bamford. “Whenever he speaks the gaffer always says he’s had a little chat with him and always makes a joke about it, so it’s nice to know I am in his thoughts.

“Jose Mourinho hasn’t really outlined the plan for my career. I was going to stay there this season, that was the original plan, but when the chance to bring Didier back arrives, you can’t really turn down Drogba, can you?

“Then Jose gave me the choice whether I wanted to stay and play bit-parts – but a very minimum amount of football – or I could go out on loan.

“He said Boro would be a great option. It was an easy choice in the end. He said he would be in touch and obviously they’re keeping their eye on me.

(Image: Alex Livesey)

“I’d say this season, yes, it’s probably too early for me at Chelsea and I’m out on loan and that’s helping me. But next season you never know.

“Whether it’s a Premier League loan or a bit-part at Chelsea, I’ll give it a year or two and maybe I’ll be in with a shout.”

The last time Bamford was at the Etihad Stadium was two years ago, when he won tickets to see a Bon Jovi concert.

Understandably, the return trip was far more momentous for the youngster.

“It’s worlds apart,” said Bamford. “This is much better, not that I don’t like Bon Jovi.

“I quite enjoyed the concert, but this is in a different league.“