Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is quietly confident of starting next week's Premier League opener against Liverpool.

Chukwuemeka was speaking after yesterday's draw with preseason opponents Borussia Dortmund.

He said of manager Mauricio Pochettino: "He said literally that if we're working hard, we're showing that we're ready to play that he will put us in. It's down to us at the end of the day. He said to me he knows I can play 10 or 8 so it just depends, it may vary.

"It's a good feeling, it gives me extra confidence. Definitely feel like I've built a good relationship with Nicolas and Christo, with Raz. It's all connecting well on the pitch today but obviously unlucky with a few chances, I'm sure it will definitely come. We've built good chemistry and long may it continue.

"I feel like after the preseason I've had that I can show what I can do, that I belong here. The gaffer has come in and been really good to me, so can't thank him enough for that and just have to keep going now and improve day in and day out."