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conte's cubs

Antonio Conte vows to give Chelsea youngsters a chance as Blues look to create their first home-grown star since John Terry

Blues have 33 players out on loan but boss insists he will show faith in their youth system and pick teens for Carabao Cup

ANTONIO CONTE is ready to fire up Chelsea’s production line — in the hope of finally churning out another first-team player.

The Blues’ youth system has failed to create a genuine star since club legend John Terry made his debut in the League Cup  in 1998.

 Antonio Conte will give a Carabao Cup chance to kids like Ethan Ampadu
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Antonio Conte will give a Carabao Cup chance to kids like Ethan AmpaduCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Stamford Bridge chief Antonio Conte insists he will give youngsters a proper chance to forge a long-term future with Chelsea in the Premier League
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Stamford Bridge chief Antonio Conte insists he will give youngsters a proper chance to forge a long-term future with Chelsea in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty - Contributor

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Nathan Ake, Nathaniel Chalobah, Patrick Bamford and Ryan Bertrand have all  been shown the door despite rising through the Chelsea ranks.

Boss Conte is  determined to buck that trend, despite having a whopping 33 players  out on loan, and will give some of his kids a chance  in the Carabao Cup third round against Nottingham Forest tonight.

Italian Conte said: “If you ask to play regularly with a great club then you also must deserve to play.

“If you are good enough to play with a great team, you play. Every coach wants to win. I don’t care if a player is young or old.

“Don’t forget  my first appearance in Serie A came when  I was 16.  I’m the first person to trust in  young players, to give possibilities to them — if they deserve the chance.”

Conte looks set to start midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Charly Musonda, while Kenedy will be recalled for the first time since being sent home from the club’s pre-season tour of China and Singapore after posting offensive remarks on social media.

 Belgium superstar Eden Hazard is being eased back into regular first-team action by Chelsea after after breaking an ankle in June
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Belgium superstar Eden Hazard is being eased back into regular first-team action by Chelsea after after breaking an ankle in JuneCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Ethan Ampadu has been praised as one to watch by Blues chief Antonio Conte
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Ethan Ampadu has been praised as one to watch by Blues chief Antonio ConteCredit: Getty - Contributor

Star winger Eden Hazard is also due to start as he builds up his fitness after breaking an ankle in June.

And Conte singled out Ampadu, 17, as one to watch. He is the son of former Swansea player Kwame and was signed from League Two Exeter this summer.

Conte said: “Ampadu  has  prospects to become a Chelsea player. He’s strong physically, plus has good technique and personality.

 Chelsea starlet Kenedy is finally back in the fold after getting in hot water on tour in China
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Chelsea starlet Kenedy is finally back in the fold after getting in hot water on tour in ChinaCredit: Getty - Contributor

“We have to continue to work with him and try to improve him, to bring him to the next step.

“I think the next game could be a good opportunity for us to give chances to some players who  in the last period  did not play a lot.

“It could be good for Charly and also for Kenedy. With Charly, you can see very clearly his talent.

 John Terry, front of centre, is a rare modern example of a Chelsea youth becoming a first-choice player
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John Terry, front of centre, is a rare modern example of a Chelsea youth becoming a first-choice playerCredit: -
 Charly Musonda is one of at least two youngsters tipped to start against Forest
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Charly Musonda is one of at least two youngsters tipped to start against ForestCredit: Getty - Contributor

"Now it’s also important he’s working very well, trying to adapt himself to this league — because this league is not simple.

“He could play as a No 10, he could be a winger. Also, in the future, he could play as a wing-back.

“With Kenedy, he knows very well what happened in China. For sure he made a mistake. But everyone in their life can make a mistake.

“Now he’s focused, he’s working very well.  He’s ready to play and to show he deserves a space in our future.”

CHELSEA (likely): Caballero, Christensen, Cahill, Clarke-Salter, Moses, Bakayoko, Ampadu, Kenedy, Musonda, Batshuayi, Hazard.

 Playmaker Eden Hazard seems certain to start as he edges nearer full fitness
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Playmaker Eden Hazard seems certain to start as he edges nearer full fitnessCredit: Getty - Contributor

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