Mourinho backing for Hilario

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has backed third-choice goalkeeper Hilario ahead of the game against Barcelona.

The unheralded 30-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight following the head injuries sustained by Petr Cech and his regular deputy Carlo Cudicini.

Hilario will make his Chelsea debut in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Barca, and Mourinho trusts that he will not let anybody down.

"Hilario is no kid. He's 30 years old. He's played game after game in the first division and has played the odd Champions League game (for Porto)," said Mourinho.

"He is calm and prepared, and he is taking his time.

Mourinho also praised Hilario for the way he had kept calm over the last few days.

"It was only Saturday when he found out he would be playing because of the injuries to the two goalkeepers but, since then, he has been busy preparing, doing his homework as goalkeepers do," he explained.

"He came here knowing he was going to be third choice and third choice goalkeepers don't normally play.

"They're normally anonymous but now he gets a great chance to play against the champions of Europe."