Hero Golan dreaming of a reunion with Grant

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But the journeyman Israeli substitute striker, whose last minute winner left Russia crushed while resurrecting England's Euro 2008 hopes, laughed that making Blues' Russian owner Roman Abramovich angry may not have been the smartest way to achieve his ambition!

The 25-year-old, whose chance of receiving a £50,000 Mercedes offered to him by a British bookmaker has been vetoed by the Israel FA, still hopes his success story may one day lead to a reunion with Grant, the man who first took the gamble of picking him for the Israel team.

"My favourite team is Chelsea and I was very excited when Avram became their manager," said Golan. "He was the one who put trust in me when he was Israel coach and I owe him a lot. Of course, I know it is a long way away and I must be working so hard as a player but it would just be a perfect dream to play Premier League football for them.

"Of course, Mr Abramovich was here so I think maybe he's not so happy with me. He may be angry! But let's hope he thought I was good!"

Meanwhile, Russian FA president Vitaly Mutko has defended his decision to extend coach Guus Hiddink's contract through to the end of the 2010 World Cup campaign.

Mutko is adamant Dutch coach Hiddink - once a target of England and Chelsea - remains the best man to take Russia forward.

"Hiddink will be in charge until 2010 and then we'll appoint a new coach," Mutko said.

"This team needs to learn to cope with the weight of responsibility. Hiddink is the one who can do this and make our team strong."