Carlo happy with Zhirkov improvement

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti feels Yuri Zhirkov has proved he has a future at the club with his performances in the last two games. Zhirkov was recently warned by Russia coach Dick Advocaat that he could lose his international place without regular first-team football, but the 27-year-old is finally beginning to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.Zhirkov moved to west London for £18million last year but saw his first-team chances restricted by a knee injury. He scored in the win at Spartak Moscow earlier in October, though, and Ancelotti feels his performance against Blackburn on Saturday is as a result of his increased confidence.He said: "The goal at Spartak Moscow obviously improved his confidence. He is playing continuously now so he is showing some good football and he is working for the team."He was consistent last week against Wolves and he was consistent again today. Last season he showed he was ready when he replaced Ashley Cole. He is a very efficient player and I think he has a future."

Source: Team_Talk