Drogba wants Duff in team

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba wants Damien Duff to be kept in the starting line-up.

Duff's future with The Blues has been cloudy since the appointment of Jose Mourinho as manager, with rumours suggesting the pair have an uneasy relationship.

But the Republic of Ireland international marked his first start of the season on Saturday by playing a prominent role in Chelsea's win at Middlesbrough.

The Blues' record signing Drogba was happy to have Duff in the team, alongside Eidur Gudjohnsen, and feels the troika can enjoy success together.

Drogba has urged Mourinho to stick with Duff in the side and believes the inclusion of the winger will help Chelsea to create more goalscoring chances.

"When we play with Damien and Eidur Gudjohnsen alongside me, we are very dangerous," said Drogba.

"I like to play with a lot of players who can score goals and make a difference.

"It makes it easier for me and we could score a lot of goals playing like this."