Guus Hiddink saluted Ruben Loftus-Cheek after the youngster bagged his first Chelsea goal in the FA Cup win over Scunthorpe.
The Blues were 2-0 winners over the League One side courtesy of Diego Costa’s early effort and Loftus-Cheek’s killer blow in the second period.
Chelsea have high hopes for the towering midfielder and he is widely expected to be the first player since John Terry to make the breakthrough from the club’s academy.
Blues boss Hiddink reserved praise for Loftus-Cheek, admitting he thought the teenager was in his early 20s when the Dutchman first joined the club last month.
He said: "We have these youngsters and I know them now after three to four weeks and I know their abilities and when it's a possibility, an option I don't hesitate to bring them in.
Chelsea's FA Cup triumph over Scunthorpe in pictures:
"It was a lovely clean finish. He waits, he waits, he waits and he comes in at the right moment.
"He can be of big value now. He's 19 (but) I thought he was 22,23 when I came in, he's a proper grown player already but he's 19 - we have to be careful on the one hand and on the other I said 'hey guys, get it done' and we didn't hesitate.
"We're in a difficult situation to finish in fourth place in the Premier League, so I say 'okay, give (the younger players) a try'."
On Chelsea's chances of reaching the top four, 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."
