Source: Daily_Mail
Romelu Lukaku vows to fight for place in Chelsea's Champions League squad
Romelu Lukaku has vowed to do everything possible to force his way into Chelsea's Champions League squad in January after finding himself omitted for the group stages.[LNB]Summer signing Lukaku was sacrificed when Andre Villas-Boas selected his pool of players for the Blues' Group E campaign due to UEFA's restrictions on imported stars.[LNB]But after running himself into the ground in last night's Carling Cup penalty shoot-out victory over Fulham - his full debut for his boyhood idols - the 18-year-old was determined to change Villas-Boas' mind.[LNB] Keen top prove a point: Romelu Lukaku is keen to earn his place in Chelsea's Champions League team[LNB]'It is up to me to play well in and then hopefully get in the next squad when it is named in January,' former Anderlecht star Lukaku said.[LNB]'It is my main objective and it is realistic because, in these four months, I can show what I can do and improve.[LNB]'The manager explained to me why he left me out of the squad.[LNB]'I'm patient but when I have the chance to play, I will do my best to show myself to the boss.[LNB]'I think I played very well against Fulham and was helpful to the team.'[LNB]Indeed, Didier Drogba lookalike Lukaku was outstanding after Chelsea were reduced to 10 men last night, playing like a one-man wrecking ball for more than 70 minutes at Stamford Bridge.[LNB] Spot the difference: Lukaku has been compared to Didier Drogba in his playing style as well as his looks[LNB]'From the first whistle, I was very focused,' he said.[LNB]'I think I played very well and was very helpful for the team. It was just a goal I needed, otherwise it was perfect.[LNB]'I have to continue like that to show the boss that he can count on me.[LNB]'After suffering cramps, I still could put in effort for the team and I'm very happy about that.[LNB] Encouragement: John Terry told Lukaku to play on through the pain barrier[LNB]'That means that physically I'm all right, but I told the head coach I need to do more physical exercises so I don't wear out and can keep up with the guys.[LNB]'At the end, I had a little bit of cramp and JT [John Terry] came up to me and said I had to keep going because the team needed me.[LNB]'You have to suffer if you want to win something and go through pain.[LNB]'Chelsea's victory all but guaranteed Lukaku another start when the Carling Cup fourth round is played next month.[LNB]Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich wants the competition used as a breeding ground for the club's youngsters, although events last night forced Villas-Boas to send for the cavalry.[LNB]Daniel Sturridge and Petr Cech were both forced off injured - the latter should be fit for Saturday's Barclays Premier League game with Swansea despite needing hospital treatment for concussion - while Alex was sent off after conceding a penalty.[LNB]Fulham fluffed the resulting spot-kick and the game ended goalless, with Bryan Ruiz missing the decisive penalty in the subsequent shootout to hand Chelsea a 4-3 victory.[LNB]Despite the home side's travails, there were still impressive performances from the likes of Lukaku and fellow youngsters Josh McEachran, Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu.[LNB]Lukaku said: 'The Chelsea fans should be excited about us because in training you can see that Josh, Ryan and Oriol are such big talents. The coach helps us a lot, he is always talking to us, as are [assistant boss] Roberto Di Matteo and [coach] Steve Holland.[LNB] Happy: Lukaku was pleased with his performance for Chelsea against Fulham[LNB]'It is good for us to be with people of this level.[LNB]'The whole club is happy that we're through to the next round.[LNB]'Chelsea want to win every cup there is. The youngsters are also happy because it gives us an opportunity to show ourselves to the boss and that he can count on us as well.'[LNB]Chelsea's shootout victory was not without controversy, with Ruiz's spot-kick hitting the crossbar, bouncing down and back up onto the bar again.[LNB]Television replays were inconclusive as to whether the ball had crossed the line.[LNB]Ruiz, who was outstanding 10 days after his disastrous debut, tweeted: 'It hurt missing the penalty but I'll press on.'The team had a great game against Chelsea and I think I played well. I felt really good.'[LNB] Chelsea optimistic about Cech's fitness after keeper goes to hospital following Sa clashChelsea 0 Fulham 0 (AET, 4-3 on pens): 10-man Blues through after ending penalty hoodooAVB rules ok! Revealed: Secrets of Chelsea's new boss and his shake-up...All the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB]
