Ruben Loftus-Cheek has hit out at Chelsea boss Antonio Conte for his 'lack of faith'.
The 22-year-old came through the youth system at Stamford Bridge, but has only made 32 first-team appearances for the Blues, and spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Loftus-Cheek has admitted that it is "really difficult mentally" due to the lack of opportunities for young players at Chelsea, which is in contrast to the situation with the English national team and Palace.
"It's been so difficult to go from playing every game then get to the seniors and not be given a chance. It's really difficult mentally, there's only so long you just enjoy training with top players," Loftus-Cheek told reporters. "From a year ago, I've improved so much from playing. A game situation is so, so, different.
"It's hard to compare the faith of Gareth Southgate and Roy Hodgson and lack of Antonio Conte faith because Chelsea is a big club and managers are under pressure and maybe don't want to take a chance on a young player. I don't understand what's going on behind the scenes fully."
Loftus-Cheek made 13 Premier League appearances for Chelsea during the 2015-16 season, but appeared on just six occasions in the league during the 2016-17 campaign.
Matt Law
