Cudicini's loyalty can be rewarded

It is noticeable that Chelsea have conceded more goals from set pieces and high balls into the penalty area recently and Cech's absence has affected captain John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

But Cudicini is as popular among the fans as ever and his shot-stopping remains impressive, so it would be fitting if his loyalty was finally rewarded.

Manager Avram Grant believes he is on the verge of making history by winning the Premier and Champions League this season - with or without Cech in goal.

It was only a few weeks ago that the supporters chanted 'you don't know what you're doing' in his direction and sung Mourinho's name, but the 52-year-old is growing in confidence that he can succeed where the Special One failed.

Chelsea may be trailing Fenerbahce 2-1 from the first leg, but the squad has been buoyed after closing the gap to Manchester United in the title race to three points at the weekend.

Mourinho won two championships in his three years at Chelsea, but only got as far as the semi-finals in Europe's premier club competition.

Grant, whose side will face either Arsenal or Liverpool in the last four should they beat Fenerbahce, feels his players will triumph in both competitions.

He said: "This is a big opportunity for the players to go out and make history. We have spoken about this with them and we want to use this opportunity.

"We know it won't be easy but all this season it's been very hard. There have been many difficulties, but we have come to this stage of the season and we want to do our best to use this opportunity.

"We have a Champions League game now, but everyone is happy with the situation in the league compared with what we had.

"The situation is one that no-one thought would happen. We are three points behind Manchester United, we are happy but are hoping for better."

Speculation over Grant's future at the club has been a feature since he took over from Mourinho in September, but increased in intensity after defeats to Tottenham and Barnsley in the two cups.

A Champions League exit to Fenerbahce will surely increase the pressure once again, but he is not losing any sleep over getting the sack.

He added: "I am always asked this question. This is my job and people ask me the question but it's the same answer.

"I need to do my job and focus on the game. The best thing for me is the team to win and get into the next round. I can't think before a big game about such things. I will sleep well in the next few days - more than people think."