Ryan Bertrand set to replace Ashley Cole in Champions League clash

Ryan Bertrand will get his chance to prove his worth in his favoured position of left-back on Wednesday evening, as Chelsea prepare to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old has had to show patience over the last two years as a back-up to England regular Ashley Cole for both club and country, but with Cole sidelined by injury, Roberto Di Matteo will select Bertrand in the back four.

And the Chelsea boss believes that Bertrand is fully equipped to replace Cole following his experiences over the last year, including a starting role in the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich.

He said: "Ryan has always performed very well for us every time he's played.

"He's got that little bit of experience that helps and I have full confidence in him that he'll play a great game."

Bertrand's performances at Stamford Bridge also saw him win his first England senior cap against Italy in August, following caps for the development teams at U17, U18, U19, U20 and Under-21 level in previous years.