Eidur: I'm going nowhere

Eidur Gudjohnsen today reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea in the face of further speculation that he will leave the club in January.

Gudjohnsen's future has been in doubt since Chelsea signed Adrian Mutu and Hernan Crespo in the summer, but he is adamant he is staying.

Middlesbrough and Manchester City have both been linked with the Iceland striker and it was reported yesterday that Newcastle were preparing a £5million bid to lure him away in the transfer window.

Gudjohnsen signed a contract extension in the summer and is desperate to stay at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "I was given an extra year on improved terms and I want to end the speculation. It's clear I'm staying here and that's final.

"The manager's told me I'm part of his plans. I wouldn't be coming off the bench or starting at all if he didn't rate me. It's a big squad and we all have to be patient.

"With a squad like this you can't expect to play every week, but whenever I've played I've scored. That can't hurt.

"I love it here and I've always said that. It's the club I want to be at and if I was ever to leave it wouldn't be in these circumstances.

"I've a lot more to show for myself." Gudjohnsen has six goals in five starts this season and could get another opportunity to impress at Southampton tomorrow.

Manager Claudio Ranieri has kept the same team for the past two matches but is expected to make changes for this trip, with one eye on next Wednesday's Champions League match against Sparta Prague at Stamford Bridge.

A draw against Prague would guarantee Chelsea's place in the second stage and Ranieri is likely to rest Crespo, Mutu and Juan Sebastian Veron, presenting opportunities to Gudjohnsen, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and the in-form Joe Cole.

Gudjohnsen added: "Whenever I get an opportunity I'm determined to take advantage and know I have to do that.

"The rotation is working and it's good for everyone.

"Obviously, we'd all like to play more but we're all working towards the same goal, which is to bring some silverware to Chelsea.

"If at the end of the season I can hold up a trophy I'll be happy that I've played my part."