Jose Mourinho challenges Ruben Loftus-Cheek to prove him wrong on selection stance

JOSE MOURINHO insists youth players at Chelsea will get their chance in the first team - but they must deserve it.

Ruben Loftus CheekGETTY

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made only eight appearances for Chelsea

Mourinho currently has 33 men out on loan and a full-strength squad at his disposal.

and the Blues manager has come under fire in recent weeks for his failure to bring on academy products.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 19, widely regarded as the biggest talent to come out of Chelsea's academy in years, has made just eight appearances since his Blues debut last December.

"It's easier to get chances in smaller clubs. At big clubs, not many players his age have the opportunities he has had to start matches in the Premier League, Champions League and the cups, to be on the bench for lots of matches consecutively, living and learning with top players.

"So he is having everything."

Kurt Zouma - Spotlight on

Mourinho further dismissed the notion of neglecting academy players, claiming last year's £12.5million signing , 21, is evidence of his willingness to field youth.

"Zouma is in his second season at this level and is unleashing himself as a top player," he said.

"When he came here, he was not the player he is now.

"I remember the first two matches he played for us in pre-season in 2014. He was very bad. But now he's a player, fighting with (John) Terry and (Gary) Cahill hand to hand."

Chelsea are in Israel preparing for tonight's Champions League group clash with Maccabi Tel Aviv and face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

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