Hilario ready to accept axe

Chelsea keeper Hilario says he is ready to drop to the bench should Jose Mourinho opt to recall Carlo Cudicini against Tottenham.

The Portuguese shot-stopper has risen to prominence of late following injuries to first-choice Petr Cech and back up Cudicini.

Italian keeper Cudicini suffered concussion against Reading and has missed the last five games with Hilario taking his place between the sticks.

However, with Cudicini back at full fitness it is believed he could be recalled against Spurs, live on Sky Sports 1, and Hilario would have no qualms making way.

"Whenever I am playing or sitting on the bench, I am always eager to see Chelsea win," explained Hilario.

"I am confident about my fitness and I will always respect the decision of the manager but I don't know whether I will be playing.

"We are working everyday to improve our performance. I know it is a big opportunity for me. All I want is Chelsea to give me the conditions to work hard and improve.

"I don't think we have frustrated players at Chelsea. Chelsea is a great team and Carlo has given me a lot of help.

"In my experience I have been in situations where the number one has not played because of injury and I have had to take his place.

"But we are a team, a group, we play hard and I think the team that will win will be Chelsea.

"I want Chelsea to win whether I am playing or sitting on the bench."