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Cape Town - Burkina Faso's Bertrand Traore has always been a talent. Yet, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho never really gave him a shot.
Now, after a pair of goals in recent weeks, the player is working harder to become a regular first team player. Stop-gap manager Guus Hiddink has been comfortable with fielding the youngster, and on Sunday Traore was on the scoresheet as the Blues smashed Manchester City 5-1 in the fifth round of the English FA Cup.
It was the West African's third goal in as many games for the Blues. "It is a good feeling for me. Now I have to stay focused, working hard in training and try to take any opportunity I get," he told the club's official TV arm.
Traore, 20, had snubbed a loan move away from the club to claw for a place at Stamford Bridge and so far, things are looking up. "I am happy for the team, happy with the performance and that I got another goal."He added: "I like challenges so I am always ready to come on the pitch and show what I can do so I always train for this kind of moments. Everyone wants to play every week as a starting number but I am young, I just have to fight and keep working hard and my time will come."
"It is a privilege for me, coming from Africa as a young player and being coached by a great manager like Guus Hiddink so I am proud of that."
