Izzy in a tizzy over hopes for kids

PLAYMAKER Izzy Brown fears Chelsea’s youngsters will not get a chance unless a big name is injured.

Brown, 20, (above) has joined Brighton on a season-long loan after finding the path to the first team blocked by more experienced players.

The England Under-20 international said: “You know with Chelsea, one of the best teams in England, how tough it is for any young player.

“We need to win the league every year, so there’s a lot of expectancy and a lot of criticism if young players have one bad game.

“It’s difficult to stay in the team. They don’t have time to give players a chance, so when you get a chance you have to take it.

“It sounds bad but, with so many worldclass players around you, you’re going to need an injury or something to a player in your position and then your chance will come. And if you

don’t take it, you can’t blame anyone.”

Defender Nathan Ake quit for Bournemouth, midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah moved to Watford and striker Dominic Solanke joined Liverpool.

Boss Antonio Conte insisted youngsters need to be more patient, but Brown has played just 11 Premier League minutes since joining Chelsea from West Brom in 2013.

He added: “This is the biggest season of my career. For a 20-year-old to play in the Premier League is not seen too much.

“I want to take this chance and grab it with both hands. I still believe I can play for Chelsea.”

Conte, preparing for a friendly against Inter Milan today, said: “If a young player is a good player, a strong player and is ready to play, why not?

“I played my first game at only 16 - but I played with Lecce and we were fighting relegation.

“Not with Juventus fighting to win the title.”