Delap backed to make his mark for Chelsea

Liam Rosenior has backed Liam Delap to make his mark at Chelsea despite a difficult first season at the club for the striker.

Delap has scored just one Premier League goal since a big-money move from Ipswich last summer.

Injuries have not helped his cause – he missed almost two months of the season with a hamstring problem.

But head coach Rosenior believes Delap is capable of making an impact at Stamford Bridge.

Rosenior said: “If you look at most players and their careers, it’s usually the second season they take off. He’s had some injuries.”

Joao Pedro, on the other hand, has quickly established himself as a first-team player since arriving from Brighton, also last summer.

The Brazilian has scored 16 goals in all competitions for the Blues, netting six of them in his past eight appearances.

Youngster Marc Guiu has also shown his potential up front.

“I’m really happy with Joao and Liam. Marc Guiu has been very good as well and that needs to continue for us to be successful,” said Rosenior.

“All strikers want to score goals – that’s why they play the game. But Liam defends from the front amazingly well and so does Joao.

“That’s the first thing I look for in my strikers – contributing to us winning games of football.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea remain unsure when Marc Cucurella will return to action.