Chelsea No2 Ray Wilkins says management were delighted with Yury Zhirkov's first season at Stamford Bridge.

The Russia international's presence was crucial when he filled in for crocked left-back Ashley Cole.

Wilkins told chelseafc.com: "It was important to us when Ashley Cole was injured that we had someone who could come in and fill that gap, and that's what Yury did. The longer he spends in England the better he looks and the more comfortable he becomes. Simply excellent against Aston Villa in the 7-1 win."