Loftus-Cheek open to positional change at Chelsea

(Reuters) - Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is open to playing in different positions in order to force his way into contention for a starting spot with the Premier League leaders. The England under-21 international has made just eight appearances for Chelsea this season, compared to 17 last year, as manager Antonio Conte's 3-4-3 system and the club's lack of European fixtures have reduced his playing opportunities. "I'm always learning and I'm open to playing different positions," the 21-year-old told The Times. "That can only be good for my development." Loftus-Cheek played two games for the under-21 side last week, scoring a brace in a 4-0 win over Denmark on Monday. "I think I have to be on it, when you don't play much and you get a chance to play," he said. "I train hard and I train to the best of my abilities so when these opportunities do come, you're hungry from the first whistle." Chelsea, who hold a comfortable 10-point cushion over the chasing pack, host 16th-placed Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. (Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru)