Chelsea academy chief Neil Bath feels Sam Hutchison can be a long-term Blues player.

The young defender made a stunning comeback last season, having previously retired from the game due to persistent injury.

"Not so long ago we were working out a next career path for Hutch and he was starting university, starting coaching badges, getting some mentoring work in sports science and just gradually doing a small bit of fitness work that he was able to do," Bath told chelseafc.com.

"To see him start the last league game of the season against Blackburn is a fantastic story and everyone is so pleased for him because he is such a good, honest, Chelsea lad. Hopefully now he is going to have a long career in the game, and hopefully at Chelsea. He is back in the first team picture and I believe good enough to stay there."