The versatile youngster, who can play across the backline or as a defensive midfielder, has agreed a two-year contract, with an option of a further 12 months.

Wardlaw made her senior debut back in November 2019 against Tottenham Hotspur in the Continental Tyres League Cup, featured against Charlton in the FA Cup in 2020 and started versus London City Lionesses in last season’s FA Cup competition.

She is honoured to sign her first professional contract with Chelsea and is excited to continue developing...

Emma Hayes is recognised as one of the best coaches in the women’s game. How exciting is it to be learning from her?

‘It’s so exciting, I feel like any time I’m in the presence of Emma, I’m always learning, whether that’s how to improve on the pitch or improve as a person.

‘I’m so excited to continue to work with her, she is one of the best in both the male and female game and she’s a big role model.

‘It’s such a surreal feeling to call Emma my manager and I can’t wait to start the season.’

You’ve been training with the squad for a season or so now, how do you think you have developed so far?

‘The squad have always been so welcoming and encouraging to us young players and it’s really helped with my confidence on and off of the pitch.

‘When I made a couple of appearances I’ve always felt comfortable because they have always been so supportive as well as the coaching staff.

‘On the pitch training is always world class, the tempo is always high and I feel like my decision making and my game play has got much quicker. Training everyday with the players we have tests all aspects of my game, it’s been really good.’

Who do you look up to the most within the Blues squad?

‘Magda [Eriksson] epitomises what a professional footballer is and what a captain is. She is an unbelievable player and a great person, she’s really encouraging and drives all the standards.

‘Also Niamh [Charles] and Jessie [Fleming] are really inspirational for us young players because they are still so young and work so hard. They are always in first and leave last and do the extras, it’s what I aspire to be like.’

What are your personal aims going into the new season?

‘Just to keep growing as a player and person, being a sponge and learning as much as I possibly can. I have so much more to learn and develop and I can’t wait to do it here at Chelsea.'

Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve over the coming years?

‘I aspire to be a senior player at Chelsea and for the Lionesses. I want to help the team win and be a crucial member of Chelsea, I’d like to be a big part of achieving everything we set our minds to, be a big influence and one day be part of the starting 11 regularly.’

What type of player are you and what is your best position?

‘I’m a hard working player and sacrifice myself for the team. I like to work out what the opposition do and try to prevent them from doing it.

‘I also like to control the tempo of the game and put tackles in, I’m quite a tough player but I like to get on the ball and create opportunities. I can play anywhere across the backline but my preferred position is in midfield mainly as a holding midfielder.’

You’ve come through the Chelsea Academy, at what age did you start playing?

‘I joined Chelsea Academy when I was 15 but I started playing when I was six and then I joined my local club Carlshalton Athletic because my dad was the manager of that and when I turned 13 I went to Millwall Academy and spent two-and-a-half years there, then came here.’