Jose Mourinho insists Loic Remy is not second choice striker at Chelsea and could even keep Diego Costa out of the team if he does well.
Remy arrived from Sunday's opponents, QPR, last summer but has had to play second fiddle to 20-goal top scorer Costa for most of the season.
However, Costa's ongoing hamstring struggles has seen Remy come to the fore and respond with two goals in as many games – both winners in tricky fixtures against Hull and Stoke.
Blues boss Mourinho said: “That's because he works well even when not playing, he always pushes himself. Sometimes players don't play and their level of focus and commitment in training goes down, and when the teams needs them they are not there for the team. He' a professional and was always there for the team.
“Since day one he knew we've got a top squad. He was ready for a new situation in his career when he was not first choice. He didn't come as a number two, but he came knowing we can't guarantee places.
“Diego (Costa) did enough in the time he was playing to keep his position and make Loic and Didier Drogba alternatives. If Loic performs well it will make it difficult for Diego when he comes back.
“He can score goals, his movement is always good, and when the team is not in possession he knows it better that the team defends with 10 players. It is always a bonus when players can play in more than one position, and Loic can play wide on the left or wide on the right too.”
Meanwhile, Mourinho insists the ball is well and truly in Drogba's court over the future, with the Blues legend out of contract at the end of the season.
He added: “Didier knows what he wants, and I like what he likes. There are people during their career who earn the right and the power to make decisions and not wait for other people, and what he has done for this club puts him in a great position.”
