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Ancelotti plans to use Sturridge next season

Daniel Sturridge has scored three times for Bolton © PA Photos

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Carlo Ancelotti insists Daniel Sturridge's long-term future remains at Chelsea.

Sturridge, 21, has struggled to make an impression at Stamford Bridge since leaving Manchester City in 2009, with the presence of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba having limited his first-team opportunities.

He has rediscovered his form since joining Bolton on loan in January, scoring three goals in three Premier League appearances, but - despite the arrival of Fernando Torres - Ancelotti has stressed that Sturridge remains in the Blues' plans for next season.

"Every one of us is happy because Sturridge is our player and he is doing very well," he said. "I hope he can score more and then in the summer he will come back.

"It was the right time to go and play on loan because he didn't have a lot of space here and he needed to play. He found a very good club who are playing good football. Sturridge can show his quality. I hope that he can continue."

Bolton boss Owen Coyle says he is unsurprised that Ancelotti wants to retain the striker.

"If Carlo and Chelsea feel his future is there then that doesn't surprise me because, as I've said before, he is a terrific player," Coyle said. "He's not surprised me. That's why I brought him to the football club.

"I would say it's been all about giving these lads a platform to go and show their quality, and Daniel is now showing that. I've always had that belief in him, and that's why I did everything in my power to bring him to the club. There's no shame in not being in the Chelsea starting line-up with Torres, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda and Kalou - these are fantastic, top-class players in world football, not just in league football."

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