Guus Hiddink says he will start to give more playing time to Chelsea's youth academy stars.

Following Ruben Loftus-Cheek's goal in the 2-0 FA Cup third-round win over Scunthorpe United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Dutch interim boss suggested that perhaps there will be more Blues youngsters to be blooded as the season progresses.

With Chelsea sitting 14th on the Premier League table and the title now out of sight, Hiddink may look to the youth of the London club to start preparing them for the future.

"It is not said by the club [that he has to field more academy players], but it is automatically the consequence when you have an academy that you start using them on the condition that they have the level," he said.

"I have worked with other teams where I do not hesitate to bring young players through to make their debut."

Regarding a possible top-four finish, Hiddink added: "Mathematically yes. (Realistically) it's rather difficult.

"You see the league is so, so strong. All the clubs can go for fourth position. But meanwhile, I think it's good to see young players knocking on the door.

"It's not always easy for them. They have to get confronted with the life of the Premier League which is a tough league."

The likes of Kenedy and Bertrand Traore also joined Loftus-Cheek on the Stamford Bridge pitch in the second half of the victory.