Chelsea caretaker manager Roberto di Matteo insists morale is high after their FA Cup win over Birmingham City.

The Italian left out several senior players for the 2-0 win.

Di Matteo said: "We faced a difficult task today given the events of the last couple of days and it was important for us to get through to the next round. We had to do a job today.

"Was it a brave selection choice? It was nothing to do with bravery. They were all on board. They know the targets we have to achieve.

"They are big players for this club. We have a squad and we have to utilise the squad. We have to try and get the best out of these players.

"It was a question of freshening up the team a bit, giving it some energy and fresh legs for a game like this. We had to fight today."