Conte WILL give Chelsea's kids a chance - if they're as good as Wayne Rooney was

Conte WILL give Chelsea's kids a chance - if they're as good as Wayne Rooney was, Antonio Conte has defended his record on giving youth a chance – but says kids will need to be ‘Wayne Rooney’ if they want to play for Chelsea.

Everyone remembers the way Rooney ­announced himself at Everton, aged 16, with a goal against Arsenal before going on to become an England icon.

But, in the week when Roo quit international football, there is an uncomfortable comparison in west London.

Chelsea youth product Nathaniel Chalobah has just earned his first ­England call-up – but only after he was sold to Watford.

The Blues have also sent ­England prospect Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan to Crystal Palace and England Under-21 striker Tammy Abraham to Swansea.

In fact, they have 38 players out on loan this season – but are still desperately searching the transfer market to boost a “depleted” ­first-team squad.

It seems like Conte is giving up on ­Chelsea’s youth.

But the Blues boss insists a young Rooney WOULD still be given a chance at the Bridge – and so would others of the same standard.

“Yes, for sure,” he said, when asked the question. “Rooney showed his potential when he was 17 years old and not only did he keep his level, but he improved it.

“We’re talking about an icon of football, in general. But it’s not easy to have many Rooneys. It’s rare. If the young players are ready and are strong enough to play regularly, they can play.

“I put Paul Pogba, at 18, into the team at Juventus, for Marchisio. Don’t forget, too, for my first game in Serie A, I was only 16.

“So, I’m the first person open to do this because another coach did this with me. But, I repeat, you must have the possibilities to do this.”