"Didier is a very important player for the club but now the manager has given me a chance to play," Shevchenko told the Daily Mirror.

"I want to score and do my best for the team, and for myself.

"For me it's important to be part of the team and if I can score goals I'm very happy.

"For the team it is very important that we win even when we are without Didier."

Manager Avram Grant has also backed Shevchenko to fill the void.

He said: "I think Sheva will revel in the responsibility. He is a great player and scoring goals is his job. It is his life."