Michael Mancienne is convinced he can be Chelsea skipper John Terry's defensive partner - for club and country.

He told the People: "One of my dreams is to play alongside the England captain on a regular basis, especially as I have grown up here watching him.

"Jt has been a massive influence and as a person he has been great for me as well.

"He's definitely very interested in the kids coming through at Chelsea and is a great role model for us.

"It's great to watch a player come from the Chelsea youth ranks to captain England because obviously you would want something like that to happen to yourself.

"With Hiddink, it seems to be different than it is with a lot of big clubs because he is not afraid to throw in his youngsters.

"It's a great confidence booster.

"There's a lot more light at the end of the tunnel for me. And I hope that I will get more of a sniff of a first-team place.

"I hope Hiddink doesn't leave in the summer."