Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist is delighted with his new contract.

The U21 captain feels he's close to breaking into manager Mauricio Pochettino's first team.

He told chelseafc.com: "All he wants you to do is work hard, focus on the details and communication, and in everything you do, do things early.

"From the 18s to the 21s is a big step, and then it's an even bigger step to the first team, especially going into a Premier League side. The level and intensity, there is no time to rest, just working hard. The sharpness of the players is extra so you need to work quicker.

"It has definitely helped me see things quicker. You have to move the ball and make better angles. That also helps when you come back down to the 21s. You can help the other lads around you which is good, and set more demands on them."

Gilchrist also said: "Even when I don't have the armband, I feel my responsibility to help people out, talking, communicating, which helps my game as well. If I have my midfielder slightly across, he's not going to play the ball and it makes my life easier. It keeps you concentrated as well.

"I see myself as a brave defender who likes to put my body in the way, a good communicator, a leader, and also tidy on the ball, trying to start attacks."