Chelsea management are delighted with the progress of youngster Nemanja Matic.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has already declared this week he expects the young midfielder to play a role in the second-half of the season.

And No2 Ray Wilkins told the club's website: "The best person is Nemanja Matic, he has been outstanding. He has come on leaps and bounds and we have all been thrilled with how he has done and long may that continue.

"His application when he has been with the reserves, his dedication and training with the reserves has been outstanding and we have a first class professional on our books."