Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has backed striker Diego Costa to fill the void being left by outgoing veteran Didier Drogba.

The Ivorian scored 164 goals in all competitions for the Blues during his nine-year stay at Stamford Bridge but Cahill feels Spain international Costa is good enough to step into his boots.

Cahill said: "They're big shoes to fill but Diego couldn't have started his Chelsea career any better.

"He's had a couple of injuries but nevertheless his goalscoring ratio has been phenomenal.

"He'll be a big player here and with Diego in the team you're a far better side."

Costa has scored 21 league goals in his debut title-winning season at Stamford Bridge.