Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has hinted that he is ready to give 'hard-working midfielder' Cesc Fabregas a more important role next season.

The 30-year-old cut a frustrated figure at times in the first half of the previous campaign, going more than two months without featuring in the Premier League at one stage.

Fabregas started just 18 games in all competitions for Chelsea and was overlooked for selection in the FA Cup final against former club Arsenal, but Conte is prepared to give the Spaniard more minutes this coming season.

"He is a really good player who can play in this position in midfield but also he could play number 10," he told reporters. "He is a great example to other players with his commitment and his behaviour every day during training sessions. He must continue this way because he is working well for us.

"In the second part of last season, Cesc played a lot of games and he was an important player for us to reach our target of winning the league and also to reach the final of the FA Cup.

"He is a really good player and has worked really hard. I think Cesc has improved a lot from when I arrived at Chelsea, from his start and up to now, he has improved a lot."

Fabregas recently vowed to "fight" for his place at Stamford Bridge, having been linked with a move to big-spending AC Milan earlier this year.