Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Ashley Cole – who may make his last ever appearance at Stamford Bridge in a Chelsea shirt on Sunday.

The Blues' left back, marginalised for much of the season in the wake of the remarkable form of Cesar Azpilicueta, is yet to sign a new deal with the club and is out of contract at the end of the season.

As recently as last weekend he put in a masterclass display as Chelsea left Anfield 0-2 winners over a Liverpool side that was favourites to lift the title.

The Blues' boss heaped praise on the fullback he first signed for the club almost eight years ago.

“A pity that Ashley Cole didn't play so much,” said Morinho reflecting on the season.

“The player is there, the man is there, the Chelsea guy is there. His quality is there.

“Every time I played him, his answer was fantastic. Pity he couldn't play more.”

Cole's contract talks are expected to go down to the wire, with the Londoner having made it clear in the past that he would be happy to play out the rest of his career with the Blues.

Mourinho also took the opportunity to talk-up the rest of his defence, who have been the most economical in the Premier League this campaign.

“Also a pity the kid (Tomas) Kalas didn't have more chances, but that was because the other guys were never injured,” he said

“(Gary) Cahill, never (injured); (John) Terry, two minor problems against (Manchester) City in the (FA) Cup and another match; (Branislav) Ivanovic the same. These four guys.

“Ivanovic, Cahil, Terry, Azpilicueta were a spine and a strength all season.”