Hedman joy at Chelsea chance

Magnus Hedman is thrilled to be on the verge of signing a contract with Chelsea.

The Swedish goalkeeper announced his retirement from football when he left Celtic last summer but was tempted back into the game by the offer of a trial with Chelsea.

The 33-year-old impressed in training with the Premiership champions last week and is now poised to sign a short-term deal until the end of the season.

With Chelsea number one Petr Cech injured, Hedman will provide cover for Carlo Cudicini and Hilario.

He is delighted to get the opportunity, and is determined to work hard to ensure he gets offered an extended contract.

"The whole challenge is terrific," Hedman told Expressen.

"It's a fairytale from the beginning to the end, but that thought and feeling, I have to put behind me.

"It is serious now. The goal is to extend it beyond seven months."

"But my first job is to regain fitness. After all, it's 18 months since I last played."