• Premier League

Cahill hopes for Terry Chelsea partnership

John Terry was not a regular fixture under Rafael Benitez © Getty Images

Enlarge

Gary Cahill is keen to see John Terry return to regular action for Chelsea in the coming season.

Blues captain Terry, 32, struggled for fitness during the 2012-13 campaign and was reduced to a peripheral role during Rafael Benitez's spell at the club.

Jose Mourinho has refused to give Terry any assurances about a starting place for the coming season but fellow defender Cahill would like to be given the opportunity to form a regular partnership with the former England captain for the benefit of the team.

He said: "Last year he had a couple of niggles and hopefully they're behind him, not just for him but the team.

"It seems like I've only played with him in bits and bobs, with him being in and out, and we've not really had a run of games. It would be great if he could stay fit so we can have consistency."

Romelu Lukaku has been a stand-out performer for Chelsea during their pre-season campaign and Cahill hopes to see the Belgium international striker given a chance to establish himself at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku spent last season on-loan at West Brom where he scored 17 Premier League goals and has continued that form.

"He had a great loan spell at West Brom last season, has been flying in training and scored two great goals," Cahill said.

"I play against him in training a lot and he's a handful just with his pace and power. His finishing is great too."

Cahill added that he is enjoying life under new coach Mourinho, describing the opportunity to work under the two-time Champions League winner as "exciting".

"It's been exciting to work for Mourinho and we're slowly getting to know him," he said.

"There's a handful of players who knew what to expect from him, but for players like me it's just exciting."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd