Jose Mourinho believes it's time for the Chelsea kids to shine

JOSE MOURINHO is planning to blood more of Chelsea’s youngsters before the end of the season as he gives a glimpse of a bright future for the club.

Ruben Loftus-CheekGETTY

Ruben Loftus-Cheek got his first full Premier League debut against Liverpool

Home-grown 19-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek was given his full Premier League debut in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday and completed every one of his 27 passes before being replaced in the second-half.

The Chelsea manager now plans to use next week’s trip to West Brom to give experience to some of the other starlets he believes can push for first team places.

“In the last game I'll play the players with more minutes in the Premier League,” said Mourinho. “The players who were the basis of the first-team.

“Against West Bromwich, especially because they're safe and nobody is waiting for a result, I'll play some of the kids: Nathan Ake, Izzy Brown who comes from West Bromwich so it'll be special for the kid to play in that house... the boys deserve it, all of them.

“But I can't give a special day for everyone.”

Loftus-Cheek caught the eye in midfield before Nemanja Matic replaced him after an hour and Mourinho was full of praise for the England youth international.

“I think he did well,” said Mourinho. “But I also think it's better for him to play 60 minutes and leave the pitch in good condition than stay on when it would have been difficult for him to cope with the speed of the game in the second half.

“(Philippe) Coutinho was getting more space between the lines, so it was best for him to leave. But a fantastic experience for him, to feel the intensity and the speed of the game. I'm happy.

“He's going to be a Chelsea player, that's no doubt. We have other kids I also believe can perfectly do it. There is good work being done at academy level.

“Hopefully we have more in the future.”

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