Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo made an embarrassing error when addressing his club's ability to bring through youth players.

Emenalo was speaking on the eve of the FA Youth Cup final first leg where the Blues will meet Manchester City when he suggested that Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole were home-grown Chelsea players.

The 50-year-old was playing down talk of London rival Tottenham's burgeoning youth system when he made the startling gaffe.

"Delle Ali they bought, Tom Carroll is a fringe player and Eric Dier they also bought. So with all the hoopla, it's just the one," said Emenalo.

"We try to remind parents it's not just a Chelsea problem. We want them to be patient.

"It helps to grow your own. We love the idea of having players who love Chelsea.

"We need the next John Terrys, Ashley Coles and Frank Lampards because they bring a spirit to the club. We want to recreate that spirit."

What Emenalo failed to remember is that Cole joined the club from Arsenal when he was 25 while Lampard arrived from West Ham United at the age of 23.