Cesc Fabregas says Chelsea are seeking the right balance in the Carabao Cup by granting players opportunities while targeting the trophy.

Fabregas’ 41st-minute strike proved decisive in Wednesday night’s 3-2 win over a Derby side managed by Chelsea’s record goalscorer Frank Lampard.

The Spain playmaker won the League Cup with Chelsea in 2015 when a mainstay of Jose Mourinho’s first-choice line-up.

And, although he has fallen behind Jorginho in Maurizio Sarri’s pecking order, Fabregas wants to take his chances when he gets them, including in the League Cup.

“When I first started, Arsene (Wenger, then Arsenal boss) always gave young players a big chance in this competition, and that’s why you see a lot of young talent in it,” Fabregas, whose goal was his first of the season, said on chelseafc.com.

“And then when I first came here, with Jose, the first target was to win the League Cup.

“If you win a trophy in February it gives you a lot of confidence for the rest of the season, and I agree.

“You have to take it seriously, and it’s a good opportunity for the whole squad to compete.”