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Reece James defends Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after Alan Shearer claimed his team-mate 'isn't a natural goalscorer' - and insists the £32m star 'hasn't needed a pick-me-up once'

Chelsea captain Reece James has jumped to the defence of team-mate Nicolas Jackson after Alan Shearer claimed that the striker isn't a natural goalscorer.

Newcastle legend Shearer, the Premier League's all-time leading scorer, angered Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino with his criticism of Jackson.

Jackson has endured some difficult moments since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in a £32million summer move but he scored a hat-trick in the victory against Tottenham.

James believes that Jackson is heading in the right direction and insisted that his hat-trick will provide him with a significant confidence boost.