Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek pleased to make impact against West Ham
Sunday 20 March 2016 11:37, UK
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was pleased to make a positive impact against West Ham as he tries to force his way into the Chelsea starting XI.
The England U21 midfielder, who came on in the central playmaker role with six minutes remaining at Stamford Bridge, went down after tangling with Michail Antonio in the final minute, presenting Cesc Fabregas with the chance to slot the penalty which secured the 2-2 draw.
Loftus-Cheek told Chelsea's official website: "Coming on to a game where we're losing, playing further up the pitch is ideal so I can try to impact the game, create a goal or score a goal.
"We did well to fight, stick at it, dig in and get the draw. We were unlucky not to get the win."
Loftus-Cheek has played in a defensive midfield position in age-group football, but is happy to play further forward.
"In time I'll find my best suited position, so I'm not worried about that," he added.
It was the eighth draw in 13 Premier League games for Chelsea under interim boss Guus Hiddink and the Dutchman said: "We are unbeaten in the league, although I would've loved to have had more victories - then we'd have the chance to go to the Champions League.
"I want the team to finish as high as possible. But first of all the team must play with pride until the end of the season. We are obliged to do that for ourselves and the club."
Regarding the penalty, he added: "He was tripped in my opinion, it was a very close call on the line and the line is part of the box. If there is any doubt the benefit of the doubt goes with the attacking team. Normally he's able to score in that position, it's not much of a discussion, he was tripped."