Conte claims age is not important - he made his Serie A debut at just 16

Dominic Solanke was also a substitute despite an ongoing contract dispute

Ola Aina, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all managed to play

Antonio Conte named five academy players on bench against Leicester

Having named five Chelsea academy graduates among his substitutes on Saturday, Antonio Conte promised opportunities to those who prove they are good enough.

Defender Ola Aina made his Premier League debut and Nathaniel Chalobah marked his second top-flight appearance with a skilful assist for Chelsea's third goal.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek sampled his first Premier League action of the season and Dominic Solanke made the squad despite an ongoing contract dispute.

Antonio Conte claims he will give opportunities to Chelsea's young stars to prove themselves

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was one of three academy graduates to come off the bench on Saturday

Season at a glance Live tables

Fixtures

Scores Premier League

Premier League

Championship

League One

League Two

Scottish Premiership

Scottish Div 1

Scottish Div 2

Scottish Div 3

Ligue 1

Serie A

La Liga

Bundesliga





The fifth academy graduate was 35-year-old John Terry, on his way back from injury.

'People who know me will know I don't gift a place to anyone,' Conte said.

'Only those who deserve to play will play for me. It is important for Chalobah and Aina to understand this.

'When I have called Chalobah he has always answered me in a positive way.

'If they are ready I will put them in.

'In the future they can play from the start. Age is not important. I made my first appearance in Serie A at only 16.'

This message will resonate at Stamford Bridge ahead of Jose Mourinho's return with Manchester United on Sunday.

Conte says Nathaniel Chalobah 'has always answered in a positive way when he is called upon'

20-year-old academy graduate Ola Aina also featured against the Premier League champions

He refutes the accusation but Mourinho's reluctance to blood youngsters was often cited against him during his two spells at Chelsea.

The United boss, who won three Premier League titles at Chelsea, can expect a warm welcome at the Bridge.

'For us it's an important three points but I don't think we'll be thinking about Mourinho,' said Marcos Alonso, who was sold by Real Madrid to Bolton within days of Mourinho's arrival in 2010.

'It's just Chelsea against Man United.'