Daniel Sturridge has warned parent club Chelsea that he will be forced to look elsewhere if he is not a first-team regular next season.
The 21-year-old striker has proven his Premier League pedigree during a loan spell at Bolton, notching eight goals in 11 appearances since his arrival in January.
That return is considerably better than the combined efforts of those still at Stamford Bridge, with Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka all struggling for form.
Sturridge, who will see out the campaign with the Trotters, hopes his efforts at the Reebok Stadium will convince Chelsea that he is worthy of a starting role in 2011/12.
It remains to be seen whether he will be granted that wish, with there still some confusion as to who will be in charge of the capital giants next term.
The England Under-21 international has made it clear, though, to whoever is at the helm that he expects to be given games or he will seek another move.
"I want to play first-team football regularly for Chelsea Football Club," Sturridge told Sky Sports News.
"I love the club. I have been at the club now for a year-and-a-half and have been on loan at Bolton. I love playing football for Chelsea.
"I don't want to say I am going to leave the club, I want to play regularly, but for me next season it is very important to play first-team football.
"I want to play at Chelsea but if the chances don't come at Chelsea, then I will have to look elsewhere."
Pressed on whether he would look for another loan deal or a permanent switch, Sturridge added: "Whatever Chelsea's decision is. It's not for me to make that decision.
"The only decision I can make is that I want to play first-team football and that's the one that I choose to take. First-team football is very important for me next season."
While Sturridge has found himself deemed surplus to requirements by the Blues this season, he insists the 2010/11 campaign has been a productive one on the whole.
He said: "It's not frustrating at all. I'm enjoying my time at Bolton, it's been going great. I love playing for Chelsea Football Club and there is nothing else to say."
