John Obi Mikel is feeling happier with his lot at Chelsea.

The 24-year-old started the season in the team despite the kidnapping of his father, and then had a spell on the sidelines due to injury over Christmas and New Year.

He told chelseafc.com: "It was really difficult for me but I carried on with my football and started the season well.

"I was playing games until just before Christmas against Spurs, and then came back and things weren't going well but I am happy to be playing again now.

"In the last few games I have been selected which is good because there are world-class players who can play there in Michael Essien, Raul Meireles and Oriol Romeu.

"I think the team is playing well, and if the team plays well as a whole it makes it easier for you. With luck as well, it has started to turn in our favour, so whatever we do seems to be working a bit better.

"We want to carry on like this and keep doing well. We have everyone fit and in good shape so we have to keep going."