Patient Bertrand backed to replace Cole

Ryan Bertrand’s patience will be rewarded and he will eventually succeed Ashley Cole at Chelsea, according to former Blues and England left-back Graeme Le Saux.

Cole is expected to return soon from a hamstring injury, relegating Bertrand back to the substitutes’ bench in spite of some mature displays in recent weeks.

And there has been speculation that Chelsea could sign another left-back to be Cole’s long-term replacement, with the likes of Southampton’s Alex Shaw linked with the club.

But Le Saux believes the mantle will be passed to Bertrand – and has urged the 23-year-old to resist any temptation to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.

Le Saux told West London Sport: “I’m sure he’d wish he was playing more football but ultimately he’s learning all the time and he’s showing good patience as well.

“Ashley’s 100 caps for England speaks volumes for his quality, attitude and professionalism and shows his dedication and commitment to being the best full-back in the country.

“Ryan is learning his craft and playing with such good players in the Chelsea squad will help his development.

“He’s got all the qualities, he’s proven that. Roberto Di Matteo had confidence enough to pick him for the Champions League final, the biggest game in the club’s history.

“He needs now to continue to take opportunities when they come along. It’s part of an apprenticeship for all young players – when you’re growing up in the game you have to learn to be patient.

“It’s very frustrating because you want to play all the time when you’ve had a taste of it.”

Le Saux speaks from experience, having struggled to establish himself in the Chelsea first team during the first of his two spells at Stamford Bridge.

He left in 1993 before returning after a four-year spell at Blackburn, where he won the league title.

“Tony Dorigo, who was an international player at the time, was in front of me when I first joined Chelsea,” he recalled.

“There was also Clive Wilson, who moved to QPR, and he was a fantastic full-back.

“As a young player I could never see myself getting an opportunity to play ahead of those two.

“Ryan’s featured quite a lot this season, both as full-back and in midfield, and the next couple of seasons will give him plenty of opportunities to establish himself as the next long-term full-back at the club.”

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook