Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says the club stands by releasing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as a junior.

Rice was released by the Blues at the age of 14 before being picked up by the Hammers.

Ahead of the two sides meeting at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening Lampard said: "He's a fantastic player for West Ham and England.

"Fair play. It's a good story because lot of those stories. It shows a strength of character. Wouldn't say it's a regret.

"Our academy is one of the best in the world and it's not easy because it's not an exact science. Declan deserves personal credit for the start he has had at West Ham."