• Premier League

Chelsea's Cahill: I'll prove doubters wrong - again

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is determined to prove his doubters wrong all over again as he battles for his starting place at Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a strong start to the season but some unconvincing displays, including in the 5-3 defeat at Tottenham on New Year's Day, have seen him forced to compete with Kurt Zouma for a spot alongside captain John Terry in recent weeks.

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But Cahill started Chelsea's 2-0 League Cup final win over Tottenham and was untroubled by Harry Kane, who was a thorn in his side at White Hart Lane two months previously.

"Up to December, up to Christmas time, I was unbeaten with Chelsea and unbeaten with England, everything was fine," Cahill said.

"Admittedly after Christmas there were a couple of performances that weren't up to the standard I wanted them to be at. I don't need everyone to tell me that.

"I have had it before in my career. You have a little dip in form but you just play the games. I have proven myself time and time again.

"When I was at Bolton they said 'You can't play for England' and I got the call for England. I went to Chelsea and they said, 'Oh, you can't play Champions League.' I did that. I proved them wrong.

"It's about having fire in your belly and that is what has got me where I am today."

Zouma, who was deployed in a defensive midfield role at Wembley, has impressed Cahill in his first season.

Cahill added: "Kurt has come in, like when I joined the club, and taken his chance. He's performed really, is a great lad, works hard and is a fantastic talent.

"He's proved he's fully in line with John and me. It's a three-way fight, but obviously John has been the mainstay at the minute. It's healthy."

Gary Cahil, left, and Kurt Zouma, right, are in competition for a spot alongside captain John Terry © Getty Images

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