Ivanović hails his greatest moment

Chelsea FC defender Branislav Ivanović hailed his match-winning performance against Liverpool FC as the "best of my career" after scoring twice in the London side's 3-1 win at Anfield in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Greatest moment
Prior to Wednesday, Ivanović had made little impact at Chelsea since his €12m arrival from FC Lokomotiv Moskva in January 2008, featuring in just ten league games for the club. That all changed when he rose to head in Chelsea's equalising goal before putting Guus Hiddink's side in front early in the second half from a similar set-play. "Without doubt that match in Liverpool is the best of my career," he said. "I will probably talk about that for the rest of my life. I really enjoyed it. Before that my the best match was in the 2004 [UEFA European] Under-21 Championship in Germany when I scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute of our opening match against Croatia."

No surprise
Playing in only his second match in the UEFA Champions League, Ivanović may have cut an unlikely hero after scoring his first goals for Chelsea in Wednesday's rousing victory. For football fans back home in his native Serbia, however, it came as little surprise. Despite playing at right-back for the national side Ivanović is Serbia's top scorer in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying with three goals in five games and is having to get used to the attention normally lavished on strikers. "I don't want to play as a forward, I'm a defender, but if I have the chance to help my team-mates I'm here to do so and am very happy to score," said the 25-year-old who has scored four times in 20 internationals.

'Proud'
The versatile Serb has had to wait longer than most at Stamford Bridge for his moment in the limelight, but having finally made his mark, he is grateful the hard work has paid off. "I don't just want to speak about my goals," he said. "I'm happy because my team won against a brilliant opponent. Maybe now good things are coming to me because I was very patient in the past. I knew Chelsea are a giant club and that I would have to wait for my chance. I worked hard and [Wednesday] was my night. It was a great game for Chelsea, a great victory and a great day for all of us at Stamford Bridge. I'm proud because I'm part of a big club. I'm a Chelsea player and I'm ready for each challenge. I have worked hard, and I shall continue even harder."

Bolton test
Ivanović has had little time to dwell on his sudden success as attention turns to Saturday's home match against Bolton Wanderers FC in the Premier League. Chelsea are four points behind leaders Manchester United FC in third and still very much in the title race. "We haven't had time to celebrate much, even though we beat the great Liverpool FC on their own pitch. Now it's time to concentrate on Bolton, [even though] the second leg against Liverpool is so close. We are in race for three trophies, after that we will have enough time for everything."