Michael Essien admits he hopes to return to Chelsea's midfield after Juliano Belletti's arrival last week.

Essien has been filling in at right-back and said: "I think I adapted a lot last season. I realised I had to get my shots on target. At first I was looking like I was killing someone in the stand.

"I'm not a great goalscorer. When I score, I'm happy, obviously, but the most important thing is for the team to win. I don't think about becoming a better goalscorer.

"I think about the team, working really hard for each other. That's me, I don't mind if I don't score goals.

"If I can get more I will be pleased but winning is the most important thing."

It is the midfield holding role that Essien wants to return to but he has a fight on his hands with Mikel John Obi currently occupying the role.

"That's my favourite position," he says. "Sometimes in that position I can follow up the attack and get some loose balls and hit them in. Against Birmingham I tried to place it hard and it worked."