[Chelsea](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/) have handed two academy graduates first-team lockers and places on the senior side at Cobham. The Blues have a rich history of blooding players from the younger age groups and integrating them in the set-up in west London - and that has been demonstrated once again this season.
Enzo Maresca has handed opportunities to several youngsters and even included 11 of them in the matchday squad to face Astana in the Conference League last Thursday. Three of those started the match, with Josh Acheampong, Samuel Rak-Sakyi and Tyrique George named in the XI by Maresca.
And now, it has been revealed that both Acheampong and George have been given spots in the first-team dressing room after impressing in the senior side so far this season. "For sure, Tyrique is going to get minutes. We are going to try help him to improve day by day because he's working with us every day, him and Josh, to allow them to get minutes with us in the Premier League," [Maresca said in an interview](https://youtu.be/XZznbGnXc8A).
Acheampong, 18, who signed a new long-term contract on Wednesday morning, made his professional debut against Tottenham in May and has a huge future ahead of him. The teenager is predominately a right-back but can also be used anywhere across the back-line.
Meanwhile, George, 18 has been a regular figure in Chelsea's Conference League team this season, having made six appearances in that competition. George, a versatile forward, made his debut against Servette in August and also played in the 5-0 demolition of Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
Both Acheampong and George are expected to be involved for Chelsea during their Conference League clash with Shamrock Rovers on Thursday. Speaking ahead of that game, Maresca said: "We are going to try and approach always in the same way. Today in football is difficult to find a team with no strengths.
"I watched four or five games, they are a good team with some good players, but I am quite convinced that all the games are difficult. For sure, it will be another one where we try and win the game."
The Blues have won each of their five Conference League matches so far and sit top of the new format with one game to go. They sit two points of second-place Vitoria SC and three ahead of Fiorentina in third.