Gary Cahill says he has taken no notice of the recent criticism over his form, and is certain any perceived dip is temporary.
In recent weeks, the England defender has lost his place in Chelsea’s starting line-up.
But he made a winning return in Sunday’s 2-0 League Cup final victory against Tottenham Hotspur – and says being asked to sit out games against Everton and Burnley did not affect his confidence.
"Up to December, up to Christmas time, I was unbeaten with Chelsea and unbeaten with England, everything was fine," said Cahill.
"Admittedly after Christmas, there were a couple of performances that weren't up to the standard I wanted them to be at.
"I don't need everyone to tell me that.
Gary Cahill celebrates League Cup glory with his Chelsea team-mates
"I have had it before in my career. You have a little dip in form but you just play the games."
While the 29-year-old accepts some of the criticism, he added that he takes solace from the fact he has proved critics wrong in the past, and is confident he will do so again in the future.
"I have proven myself time and time again," he continued.
"When I was at Bolton they said 'You can't play for England' and I got the call for England.
"I went to Chelsea and they said 'Oh, you can't play Champions League'. I did that. I proved them wrong.
Gary Cahill lifted the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012
"It's about having fire in your belly and that is what has got me where I am today."
Meanwhile, Cahill was also full of praise for the man that has replaced him alongside John Terry in the heart of Chelsea’s defence – 20-year-old Kurt Zouma.
"Kurt has come in, like when I joined the club, and taken his chance," he added.
"He's performed really, is a great lad, works hard and is a fantastic talent.
"He's proved he's fully in line with John and me.
"It's a three-way fight, but obviously John has been the mainstay at the minute. It's healthy."
Gary Cahill is likely to be back at Wembley with England on Friday 27 March for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania.
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