Forssell auditions for starting role

Mikael Forssell has scored seven goals for Chelsea since New Year, including last night's winner, but only twice has he been in the starting line-up.

In each of his other 13 appearances in 2002, the 20-year-old Finland striker has played for 45 minutes or less and he is worried that he may become typecast.

Forssell, who only featured for 17 minutes against Fulham, said: "I want to play from the beginning and show what I can do, entertain the crowd and not only score goals.

"It would be logical for me to be knocking on the manager's door to ask to start a game. But you have to respect his decisions, keep working and see how it goes. You have to wait for your chance."

Forssell's close-range goal nine minutes from time must have improved his prospects of making the starting line-up against Tottenham in their FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

The Finn eluded his marker and converted a cross from Jesper Gronkjaer to keep his team's Champions League chances alive.

Forssell added: "I have had the flu so I was a bit tired but you have to be able to get straight into the action.

"You need luck and it helps when the defenders are tired. You have to keep your cool and take the chances when they come.

"Every goal I score must help in my career here and my development as a player."