Cech hails Chelsea's mental strength

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech insists the team's winning mentality can help them to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second time in three years.

The Blues take on Valencia in the first leg of their quarter-final at Stamford Bridge boosted by a last-gasp win over Watford in the Barclays Premiership on Saturday which Cech hopes can give them a psychological lift ahead of Wednesday night's clash with the Spanish side.

Cech said: "You need a strong mentality at this stage of the season because every game is like a final. You need that mentality to cope with the pressure and focus on the job. We were in the semi-finals two years ago and we would like to go further this time."

Substitute Salomon Kalou's injury-time winner at Watford at the weekend kept Chelsea in the hunt for a third successive Premiership title.

Cech added: "The goal was very important because it kept us in the championship race. It was an huge goal. It can help us psychologically against Valencia. Even though we didn't play well on Saturday, we won the game which is important.

"If Valencia score at Stamford Bridge it changes things. But I don't think it will be decisive because we are also a very good team who can go to Valencia and score an away goal as well. Both teams are very strong and for us to keep a clean sheet at home would be a big help."

Chelsea will welcome back England midfielder Joe Cole after a season out of action with a stress fracture of the foot.

Cole is included in the squad and the former West Ham star is buzzing at the prospect of finally putting his injury nightmare behind him.

He almost returned against Watford last Saturday but decided to give himself a little more time after a minor setback.

Cole said: "There are always little niggles when you come back - I got one before the Watford game so we erred on the side of caution. I feel fine now."