Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli has attacked the idea of introducing a quota for non-EU players in the Premiership.

The Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League are concerned that homegrown talent is being stifled due to the import of foreign players, in particular questioning the standard of those brought in from non-European union countries.

They believe a quota system would restrict Premiership clubs to importing only the best non-EU players.

But Vialli is adamant that restrictions would hinder English clubs' chances of succeeding in European competitions.

"If you want to protect the English game and the English young players then that might be the right thing to do," said Vialli.

"But if we want to compete when we play in Europe, there's no way we can do that against the European clubs if we don't allow continental players or non-EU players to join us. The other teams would simply be too good for us."

The Chelsea manager also added that it is difficult for young homegrown players to get a first team chance at Stamford Bridge and that it is in their best interests to gain experience elsewhere.

"It's difficult to do that at Chelsea unless you're really special, so perhaps it's better to get experience somewhere else and come back when you are a better player and then play regularly in the team."