Chelsea senior players have urged manager Andre Villas-Boas not to ignore the importance of the FA Cup.

Villas-Boas, under intense pressure in recent weeks after a dismal run of just two wins in 10 league games that has seen Chelsea slip out of the top four, was focused mainly on the Champions League as his salvation.

But senior Chelsea players have persuaded the young Portuguese manager that the Cup, in which they face a tricky tie against Championship high-riders Birmingham this lunchtime, could be their best chance of a trophy this season.

A Stamford Bridge source told the Daily Express: "Foreign managers often underrate the Cup, because it is not as important in countries like Spain, Italy or Portugal. The players were worried that Andre would treat it lightly and put out weakened sides, but they have persuaded him not to do that."