Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has hailed Reece James, saying his debut goal against Grimsby Town is the start of a “very promising career” at Chelsea.

His performance also attracted praise from Blues’ head coach Frank Lampard, who said he felt this was just the start for James at Chelsea.

According to Warnock, the 19-year-old’s debut display in a Chelsea shirt is “brilliant.”

James impressed on his first team bow for the Blues, scoring his first goal for the club in the second half, after registering two assists as he set up Michy Batshuayi in the seventh minute before crossing for Kurt Zouma, report football.london.

Speaking after the Carabao Cup match, Lampard said: “With his end product, Reece James showed what he can do. Two assists and a goal, but Reece’s performances on loan last year at Wigan showed the talent he has got.

“I think he is going to be a big player for this club. It is just the start for Reece.”

And Lampard’s thoughts were echoed by Warnock, who was speaking as a pundit on the Carabao Cup highlights programme on Quest.

“Brilliant performance [from Reece James],” the former Liverpool man said.

“He went in at Wigan last year as defensive cover, as Paul Cook said, then he makes himself a star in the league and everyone is talking about him.

“Does he play left-back? Does he play right-back? Does he play centre midfield?

“He can play anywhere. This is the start of a very promising career for him at Chelsea, and one that I am very excited to watch.”

Photo Credit: Twitter @chelseafc.com