Chelsea star midfielder Michael Essien has called on his English club to make the stay of Ghanaian youngster Gideon Baah permanent.

The 16-year-old is in his second week on of trials at Stamford Bridge after beating off competition from 32,000 applicants in a football reality show.

Baah impressed coaches of the Chelsea academy in his first week and has won hearts at the club after a fine display in training.

Black Stars ace Essien says his compatriot should be given a permanent contract at the Chelsea academy becasue he is talented.

"Everybody is happy with how Gideon played in the first week with the Chelsea academy," Essien told Ghanasoccernet.com .

"I have monitored his performance from afar and I think he is capable of fitting into the academy and progressing to reach the first team.

"I am not saying this becasue he is from my country but becasue he is a talented player as people at the academy are saying.

"I am conifdent that if he is given a contract here he will develop into a world-class player for Chelsea and can also develop to help my country.

"I took him to the to meet some of the first team players and this experience has increased his desire to stay and I am confident if he is given the chance he will excel."

Baah, who has been given the number 52 jersey at Chelsea, outwitted five players including the keeper to score during Wednesday's training.

He will complete his stint with Chelsea later this week.