'F*cking hell, what are you then?' – 'Old man' Cole Palmer jokingly hits back at journalist after being compared to 16-year-old Chelsea sensation Reggie Walsh

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has jokingly hit back at a journalist after being branded an 'old man' in comparison to 16-year-old team-mate Reggie Walsh.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Walsh is Chelsea's latest academy gem
• Palmer called 'old man' in comparison
• Jokingly claps back at journalist

• Table of Contents

  Toggle

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Walsh became Chelsea's youngest ever player to start a European match in their 1-0 Conference League semi-final second-leg win over Djurgardens on Thursday. After the match, a journalist poked fun at Palmer by saying he was practically an 'old man' at 23. The England international's response was quite surprising but done in jest.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT PALMER SAID

  In response, Palmer said: "F*cking hell, what are you then compared to Reggie? Obviously, Reggie is young but he’s trained with us a few times. He’s a very good player. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do. I’m still young myself so I have to keep growing and growing."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In the space of a few positive results, Chelsea's season – which was in danger of falling apart for a time – is looking much rosier again. They are in the Conference League final and could qualify for next season's Champions League. Palmer has seemingly rediscovered his mojo after a lengthy goal drought and youngsters such as Walsh are breaking into the first team.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Palmer and Walsh will hope to continue to have a positive impact in Chelsea's team for the remainder of the season, starting with a trip to Newcastle United on Sunday.