Wayne Bridge is determined to win his place in the Chelsea side once his regains his fitness.

Bridge is making a quicker than expected recovery from the hip operation he underwent earlier in the summer.

The full-back is working hard on his fitness and has vowed to fight Ashley Cole for a starting spot in Jose Mourinho's first XI.

"It [the injury] has made me a bit more determined," Bridge told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously it is a long season ahead and I just have to wait and see how it goes when I get back fit.

"I am definitely determined to get back and make sure I am as fit as possible and do the best I can for the club and see how it goes."