Omeruo: I can break into Chelsea’s first team

Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, can’t wait to dislodge the partnership between John Terry and Tim Cahill in the heart of Chelsea’s defence when he returns from his loan spell with Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old Nigeria international, who joined the Stamford Bridge side in January 2012, has been at Boro since January 2014.

But he said he will be ready when the Blues recall him to the team.

“I’ve gained great experience and wait for the chance to be in the Premier League next season,” he told BBC Sport.

“I’m confident I can break into Chelsea’s first team at some point. Chelsea knows that too if not I wouldn’t have a long-term contract.”

Before then though, Omeruo hopes to help Middlesbrough to the top flight.

“We have been doing good the past few weeks. There are some games we could have done better, but we are still in third place,” he said.

“We are looking forward to the next game and giving our best. Everyone knows in the club the target is to win the league or be second.

“I am confident we will get promotion.”

With 20 games under his belt in all competitions for Boro in his second loan spell, which started in August 2014, the defender described England’s second tier as the most difficult league in the country and that he still has a lot to learn in the Championship.

“If you look at the teams who were relegated last season from the Premier League, they are struggling to get to the playoffs positions. So that tells you how hard the league is. It is a strong, physical league and you have to always be mentally ready,” he said.

“I still have to take things step by step. I have to stay focused on Middlesbrough and help the team the best way I can.”