Masked Terry leads by example

Jose Mourinho's replacement may not be winning any popularity contests but he expects to see his players' commitment to the club in the key Champions League clash at Valencia tonight.

The game at the intimidating Mestalla Stadium is the biggest test so far for Grant's struggling side and they will need the character they showed for his predecessor last season to come through unscathed.

Mourinho's Chelsea produced a memorable comeback at the ground to beat Valencia in the second-leg of their quarter-final in April and go through to the semis.

But Grant knows that his current status means the inspiration will have to come from Terry if they are to pull off anything close to a repeat of what was one of the Portuguese's finest hours at the club.

Grant said: "It's important that me and the players give 100 per cent for the future of the club. They do everything they can to win games. Actions talk not words.

"The last month was not good for us but the players are totally focussed. You can see the character of the person in times that are not so easy.

"Terry is someone who gives a good example, not who says many things and doesn't back it up. I see the players through their actions and their behaviour. He wants to play for the team and give everything he can.

"England and Chelsea can be proud that he is their captain. He's brave, he's a nice guy and his commitment is incredible.

"It's not the first time he's done this, but it's not an easy time for us and we need him. He's here for us."

Terry trained last night wearing a face mask to protect a fractured cheekbone that was operated on only three days ago and he is expected to play.

He has symbolised many of Chelsea's good characteristics for some time but today, in their own ways, they are both battered and struggling through.

With Frank Lampard still kept out by a thigh problem and Didier Drogba back but disaffectedafter Mourinho's departure, the need for Terry's leadership skills are greater than ever. Other strong characters such as Michael Essien, who should return from injury tonight, will be vital.

"We need to come together and get another five or 10 per cent out of ourselves," said Joe Cole. "We are not firing on all cylinders at the moment and everyone needs to improve. The club were very successful under Jose but in football things change.

"We want to draw a line under that and look forward.The atmosphere has been fine. Obviously, nothing runs smooth with any change of leader or manager but we want to look to a successful future under Avram."

After the embarrassing home draw against Rosenborg a fortnight ago, Chelsea's Champions League campaign cannot afford any more slip-ups. Grant has since picked up the reins in a tough group and, with a trip to Schalke still to come, a draw is the minimum expected tonight.

Grant said: "We lost two points at home to the team which is the weakest on paper in the group and we need to get a good result. If we can make the football more exciting we will do it, but the result is more important.

"I took a very difficult job at a very difficult time with no time for preparation so at the moment we are doing what the players were used to in the past - including preparation, tactics - and it will be the same tonight."

It is six years since Grant managed in the Champions League and then his side, Maccabi Haifa, were eliminated in the qualifying rounds for fielding an ineligible player.

The former Israel coach is confident he will not be out of his depth with Chelsea. He said: "Of course I'm ready. I have been involved in many big games and love them. It's a big challenge but I love the challenge."

Grant hopes to add to his coaching staff in the forthcoming international break but does not want assistant Steve Clarke, the only member of Mourinho's backroom staff still at Chelsea, to leave because of recent events.

Grant said: "Clarke's been doing a great job in the last few days. The Portuguese guys who left did a good job and we are looking for replacements but not for Clarke."