Bridge over troubled waters

A new four-year contract and a place in the team for their final UEFA Champions League Group A fixture against PFC Levski Sofia has convinced Wayne Bridge that he still has an important role to play with Chelsea FC - despite Ashley Cole laying claim to the left-back slot.

Promising start
It was generally accepted that Bridge had started the season in fine form at Stamford Bridge as he returned from a double ankle fracture and a loan spell at Fulham FC. But that did not stop manager José Mourinho from spending €7m to take Cole from Arsenal FC while sending William Gallas in the opposite direction.

Bad luck
Since then Bridge has only started five games while Cole clearly made himself first choice in Mourinho's eyes just as he had done with England coach Steve McClaren and Sven-Göran Eriksson before him. On the international stage as well, Bridge has been the unlucky player to miss out

'I like it here'
None the less, the former Southampton FC defender has put his trust in Mourinho to give him the opportunity to prove himself and believes he can still edge into the side on a regular basis. "I like it here and I always wanted to stay," said Bridge who insists Chelsea will be going all out to beat Levski and secure top spot in the section even though they are already assured of their qualifying place.

Hope remains
"I don't see myself as second choice and now that I've signed a new contract I'm hoping to get the chance to play more games," he added. "When they signed Ashley I did not know where I stood but the club said they still wanted me here. I've been playing well and hopefully I will keep my form.

'Ashley is brilliant'
"The manager always told me he would be bringing in another left-back but he said it would be an even affair," said Bridge. "He's been happy with the way I've been playing and I was happy to get that response from him. Everyone knows Ashley is brilliant, one of the best in the world but I don't see myself sitting behind him."