Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has welcomed the introduction of so many youngsters this season.

The fresh impetus provided by the Academy graduates, as well as the return to fitness of Callum Hudson-Odoi, are the main reasons Barkley reveals a "real buzz around the place" this week.

"Everyone is positive and confident after the goals were shared out amongst the team," he told chelseafc.com of the big win over Grimsby.

"The young lads have done really well for England and Chelsea youth teams over the years, winning trophies. They have got the winning mentality this club needs.

"For them to come into the side at such a young age and do so well, it's great times for the club, the fans and the future as well.

"I'm not surprised at how they've done, because you can see the quality they have got. Some were out on loan and proved to the manager and his assistant, Jody Morris who has worked with the younger lads, what they're capable of. It's the perfect timing for the young lads to show what they can do, and they have done that since the start of the season."