Jose happy with Sheva form

Jose Mourinho feels Andrei Shevchenko is finding his peak form at the perfect time.

Shevchenko has struggled for form since making the move to Chelsea from Milan in the summer, but he has netted five goals in his last seven appearances and has won over Blues chief Mourinho.

"He is now playing like I want him to and how his team-mates want him to," said Mourinho.

"This is his best form since he came to Chelsea.

"He is earning our respect and we are delighted with him."

Chelsea face Arsenal in Sunday's Carling Cup final and The Blues will head to Cardiff without inspirational captain John Terry who has an ankle injury.

Mourinho has had to contend with a number of injuries this term, but he is refusing to use this as an excuse.

"Chelsea are not playing to their maximum potential because we have had an unbelievable season with injuries," he added.

"(But) we are certainly not crying about this."