Kenny Jackett: Conor Hunte is no bad boy

Pacy Hunte was released by Chelsea just five months into a three-and-a-half year deal in July 2013.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has been snapped up on a one-year deal as the latest recruit for the Under-21s.

Since his release the Croydon-based teenager has spent the last year trying to find a club amid a string of trials.

But head coach Jackett believes Hunte, who played 36 times for Chelsea's Under-18s and played for England Under-16s, is a talent worth the gamble.

"I don't know why he left Chelsea," said Jackett. "There has been no particular mention of any problems – speaking to the Chelsea people, they were looking at higher standard or better players.

"But I see a talented player who I can understand why our recruitment guys were keen to bring in.

"He's been having trials on a regular basis for the last year and trying to get a club, but he hasn't actually been signed by anyone.

"For him now it's a fresh start, a new opportunity and he gets to get out of London, up here and it will be interesting to see how he develops.

"They do say he has terrific ability and that in the right environment he could shine given the right opportunity that Chelsea didn't feel they could give him."

Jackett feels Hunte was squeezed out at Stamford Bridge by the arrival of world-class youth talent.

"The standards at Chelsea are very high," said the boss. "Basically it's world class.

"The calibre of players they're looking for – particularly from 17 onwards – is absolutely top class."