Cech - Terry can handle flak

Petr Cech believes John Terry is mentally strong enough to cope with the hostility that is expected to greet him at every away match.

Keeper hails team-mate's strength following taunts from rivals

Petr Cech believes John Terry is mentally strong enough to cope with the hostility that is expected to greet him at every away match. Terry was cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month, after it had been alleged that he had used a racist obscenity about Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand. He is still facing a charge from the Football Association and was taunted by Manchester City supporters throughout Sunday's Community Shield at Villa Park. Cech acknowledges that Terry is likley to receive similar barracking from opposition fans across the country, but says his team-mate can handle the pressure.

Happy

"He's a strong lad. He knows that this will go on every time we play away from home," Cech said in the Evening Standard. "I don't think he was surprised (by what happened in the Community Shield) and it won't affect him in any way. "All I need him to be is JT and to play well. As long as he does that, everyone will be happy."