Mineiro set to prosper from Mikel blunders

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has provided the biggest hint yet that John Obi Mikel may pay the price for his disastrous night in Rome.

Mikel was at fault for two of the goals in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Roma on Wednesday night and his starting place against Blackburn on Sunday has come under threat from Brazilian veteran Mineiro.

The 33-year-old former Hertha Berlin player, who joined six weeks ago to cover for injuries, was officially unveiled by Scolari today and insisted he doesn't see Mikel and Michael Essien as rivals.

The midfielder said: "In my mind other players are my allies, not my opponents. I'm not trying to fight against them for a place. We are a group, it's all about the team and doing the best for the team and that's what I want to do.

"I first heard about Chelsea's interest in me two months ago and I was very happy because I wasn't playing at the time and it was a great opportunity for me to come here and show my work.

"I'm really happy I'm here and have this opportunity now.

"In this league you have to be serious, dedicated and professional because you are competing with the best in the world. I want to be here as long as I can and part of the history of Chelsea."