From Hashtag United to Stamford Bridge! Chelsea youngster Ted Curd named on bench for must-win Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has named Curd on the bench for Chelsea's must-win Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Boro. The goalkeeper was recalled from Isthmian League Premier Division side Hashtag earlier in January to allow another young goalkeeper, Eddie Beach, to join Gateshead on loan, and has now been named on the bench for the huge last-four encounter, with Boro leading 1-0 from the first leg.

Curd has never played a game of senior football for Chelsea but he is an England U17 international, with seven caps, and has made 32 appearances for the club at U18 level. Hashtag praised the player as "an incredible goalkeeper and a top man" after he was recalled by the Blues.

Hashtag United were only founded in 2016 and have enjoyed three promotions since. They are three promotions away from playing in the Football League. During his time with them, Curd played 16 times, and kept four clean sheets.

His inclusion on the bench appears to point towards a bright future for the teenage goalkeeper. It remains to be seen if the Blues look to find him another loan before the January transfer window is over.