Chelsea hero Michael Ballack says John Terry is facing crunch time this season.

Ballack says the veteran's advancing years may be about to catch up with him.

After visiting the Blues' Cobham training ground, he told ChelseaTV: "He is big, you don't have to talk about his influence over the last years and his personality.

"Now is the point where he is reaching an age where he decides how long he wants to go on that level because I saw the training and it's quite intense and it's not getting easier for a guy of his age."

However, Ballack says there was little evidence to suggest Terry's age has got the better of him yet.

"Still, the class is there, the quality is there and he seems to be having fun and enjoying it," he added.

"And as long as you are having fun as a player you want to remain part of the team, go out in training and help the others with your experience.

"He seems to be doing it."