Drogba: Time to prove our worth

They meet surprise package Rosenborg in Norway tonight needing a win to guarantee their passage to the next round with one game to spare.

The match holds bad memories as a 1- 1 draw in their first encounter at Stamford Bridge, in September triggered Jose Mourinho's departure.

But now Drogba believes it is time to prove their quality.

He said: "From the beginning we have known what we want - to end this phase and get back on track for the last 16.

"If we want to go far in this competition, it is vital we follow this route. If we beat the Norwegians, it can be achieved.

"I am also eager to show that the draw at Stamford Bridge was just a combination of circumstances.

"We are leading the group and are unbeaten but we know that a setback at Rosenborg would mean we would lose the top spot.

"I want to win all the trophies this season. The Premier League, FA Cup, Carling Cup, and especially the Champions League."

Drogba is set to return after missing Saturday's eventful 2-0 win at Derby with a knee complaint, and he is the player Rosenborg fear most.

They have devised a plan to deal with the Ivorian, and defender Vidar Riseth hopes training against Norway teammate John Carew will stand him in good stead.

Drogba's call to arms is timely as Rosenborg sense a chance to record an historic win.

Their draw at Stamford Bridge conferred more prestige than wins home and away against Valencia, and their players are looking at tonight's meeting between the top two as Group B's cup final.

The Norwegians could have sold out their 21,600- seat Lerkendal Stadium more than twice over despite the freezing conditions and, for the first time in the club's history, there is a small black market for tickets.

However, Avram Grant is intent on ruining their night. He has set his sights on surpassing the achievement of Mourinho and is keen to produce a better result against Rosenborg than his predecessor managed.

He said: "The first game could be a motivating factor for us. Half of the stadium was empty, supporters were booing us at halftime and the result was not so good. Since then we have won a lot of games, are in a better position in the Champions League and we need to stay awake so this position will not change.

"The team is much better than two months ago. We play better football, create more chances, pass the ball well and are patient when we need to be. With the way I see football, we're on the right way.

"Chelsea have not been in the final, so this is our target. It is not easy, but we can do it. I won't say we are better than any big club in Europe, but we're not worse."

The quest to win the competition is now the club's Holy Grail and Grant added: "I don't mean any disrespect to the other competitions, but the Champions League can make you a bigger club than you are."