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CHELSEA TV EXCLUSIVE: YOUTH TEAM JOY

/noticias.info/ The Chelsea youth team are back in match action as early as Friday morning - but there is still time to enjoy Wednesday night's historic FA Youth Cup win.

Chelsea TV was there to capture the 4-3 aggregate semi-final victory over Aston Villa, the channel showing the whole second leg live and talking to coach Paul Clement and players afterwards.

With the club making the final for only the fourth time in our history and the first time since 1961, there were naturally plenty of smiling faces.

'We showed real character tonight,' reckoned Clement, who saw his young charges recover from conceding as early as the fourth minute, the tie having begun balanced at 1-1.

'Character is something we are trying to get better on and it really came through in abundance in this game - particularly going down so early and then coming through in adversity at the end after going down to 10 men. It is a tremendous night for everybody in the Academy.'

The 3-2 victory on the night came thanks to a quality finish from Sergio Tejera (pictured left), a solo special from Gaël Kakuta and then the winner from Adam Phillip (pictured centre). Midfielder Lee Sawyer was red carded 10 minutes from the end with Villa also losing a player in the dying moments.

It was the third time in the cup run that 16-year-old English striker Phillip has come off the bench to score an important goal. He did so with the only strike in the opening round at Stevenage and also scored the vital equaliser in the semi-final first leg.

'I have just told Adam in the dressing room that he is not going to start another game, he is only coming off the bench,' joked Clement.

'I spoke to him before the game about his importance because I was going to turn to him, I trust him. It is difficult when you are a sub and he has prepared like a proper professional.'

'I have done it before and I am happy that I have managed to do it again,' smiled Phillip.

'Obviously I want to start but I do a job for the team and if it means coming on then I will do it. We know we have fantastic ability in the team and at the moment we are putting it to good use.'

'Chelsea have not been in this final for a long time so it is a good moment for us,' added opening scorer Tejera, a Spain Under 17 international.

'We need to improve defensively but the team showed great character to come back to 2-1 at half-time. I can't wait to play in the final.'

'The first goal to them happened so quick and was really sloppy because we have been working on dealing with long balls and getting cover, but we came back strong,' agreed team captain Nana Ofori-Twumasi

'We had to dig deep and we did that and I am very proud of the boys.'

'We have worked so hard for this. It is a whole effort from all the guys,' said Wales Under 21 keeper Rhys Taylor who has been between the posts in every round.

It was left to Clement to look forward to the final which will be played over two legs, the dates yet to be set. The home match will be at Stamford Bridge.

'Man City are a good side and so are we so it should be a good final. I am feeling fantastically proud because a lot of work has gone in by the staff.'

Highlights of the win over Aston Villa are on Chelsea Plus now.

Chelsea Youth play a league game against Arsenal on Friday morning at Cobham, kick-off 11am. notas_de_prensa_archivo