Chelsea's academy star Alfie Gilchrist was thrilled to make his senior debut this weekend.

Gilchrist got a chance to impress boss Mauricio Pochettino in the FA Cup third round.

The Blues beat Preston North End 4-0 at Stamford Bridge to ease into the fourth round.

“It means so much and just hearing them – wow," said Gilchrist post-match to club media.

“It's crazy just being out there. Last season I would've been up there in the West Stand watching it, wanting to get on the pitch. Now it's the first game of the year and the [fans] are singing my name.

“It's crazy being out there as a Chelsea fan. Obviously, I've been here so long so it means so much to have my friends and family in the crowd as well. It's a big moment and I want to keep going.

“Days like this are great for the academy because it shows how much work we put in every day over there, and it's working.

“Players are coming through and as soon as I got in the changing room, I had like 20 texts from people at Cobham. It's really good."