Michael Hector admits he was 'taken aback' on first day of training alongside Chelsea first-team stars

Starstruck: Michael Hector
Alex Morton/Getty Images
Sam Long23 May 2016

Chelsea defender Michael Hector has admitted he was "taken aback" on his first day of training at the club's Cobham base.

The 23-year-old joined Chelsea on transfer deadline day last summer but spent the rest of the season on loan with Championship side Reading.

Hector made 30 appearances for the Royals, who finished a disappointing 17th place in England's second tier, and has now joined up with his parent club.

But, having progressed from humble beginnings which saw him take in spells in both non-league and Ireland, Hector was somewhat overawed by his new surroundings.

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"The first day I was a bit taken aback having watched these players as a supporter but then I settled and have been training normally," he told the club's official website.

"I don’t take anything for granted with where I have come from and being here with world-class facilities.

"The type of players you meet, where I come from you can only dream of things like that," he insisted.

Standard Sport understands Chelsea are still backing Hector to have a role in their first-team squad in the future and the Jamaica international is determined to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea is the team I supported so it is another incentive, it is a big thing for me to try to break into the first team.

"My mum is from Fulham Broadway and grew up in a block of flats right next to the stadium. Although she supports Man United her family is Chelsea mad," he added.

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