Chelsea teenager Jesse Derry has spoken out following his dramatic Premier League debut, calling the experience a "dream come true" despite being rushed to hospital with a head injury.
The 18-year-old forward suffered the blow during Monday's match against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, colliding with defender Zach Abbott during the first half.
"A dream come true to start at Stamford Bridge for my Premier League debut," Derry posted on social media.
"I'd like to thank all the Chelsea medical staff, everyone at St Mary's Hospital, my teammates, and all the fans for their great support. I can't wait to be back playing in front of everyone very soon."
Jesse Derry has given an injury update after suffering a horror head collision
|REUTERS
The collision occurred in the 45th minute when both players contested the same ball, resulting in an accidental head-on-head impact.
Medical staff attended to Derry on the pitch for approximately nine minutes before administering oxygen and removing him on a stretcher.
The lengthy stoppage brought the first half to a standstill as concern spread through the stadium.
Chelsea subsequently confirmed that the youngster was "conscious, talking and undergoing precautionary checks" at hospital, news that provided welcome relief following the Blues' 3-1 defeat.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest was halted for over five minutes as Jesse Derry received oxygen
|REUTERS
Liam Delap came on as a concussion substitute, a replacement that does not count towards the team's usual substitution allowance under Premier League regulations.
Prior to the injury, Derry had delivered an encouraging display that caught the eye of all present, including former Chelsea figures Thiago Silva and Thomas Tuchel who were watching from the stands.
The young winger showed confidence from the opening whistle, keeping possession alive in a move that led to Enzo Fernandez striking the post.
He attempted an audacious overhead kick that sailed over the crossbar and later forced goalkeeper Matz Sels into action with a shot through Abbott's legs.
When Derry was carried from the field, supporters from both Chelsea and Forest united in respectful applause around the ground.
Derry joined Chelsea last summer after winning a competitive race against several European clubs when his academy contract at Crystal Palace expired.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Robert Sanchez collided in the second half of Nottingham Forest's win over Chelsea | GETTYThe son of former QPR and Leeds midfielder Shaun Derry, he had previously appeared as a substitute in FA Cup victories over Hull and Wrexham this season.
Monday's fixture marked his first senior start, with interim boss Calum McFarlane expressing satisfaction with the teenager's contribution.
"I'm pleased with Jesse's performance, I thought he performed well while he was on," McFarlane said.
The pair had worked together previously, with Derry netting 10 goals in 16 matches under McFarlane's guidance at Under-21 level.