Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is full of praise for John Obi Mikel.

Scolari told The Sun: "I knew he would be a big part of my team.

"With Claude Makelele leaving I was sure Mikel could be the player to play in his position in the future.

"When Makelele was here he was the one playing because he was the more experienced player. But now is the time for Mikel. I always pick him.

"If we don't give him the chance to play how will he get the experience? He's had maybe 20 games for me and played 18 very well.

"He's so young, only 21, and has learned a lot with Makelele and Michael Essien, who's injured at the moment.

"He looks like he belongs in the position, knows more about his position and is a more experienced player.

"Mikel is like a lot of African players who have what all coaches want which is power but also style where they are comfortable with the ball, can control it and dribble with it."

Scolari also says he'd be happy for Obi Mikel to play regularly for Nigeria.

He said: "It helps their development. Nigerian football tries to help Mikel and I know the coach and what he tries to teach Mikel.

"That's good for Mikel and Chelsea. If we have problems we'll discuss them together.

"For the national team he takes on a more attacking role. That is very good for me and the national team. It means he is a versatile player.

"It is a compliment to him he can do both. It also means he knows how to go forward from defensive midfield when we need him to do that."