Chelsea's Grant full of Christmas cheer

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The vast majority of this country's managers and players would almost certainly prefer to follow the lead of their continental neighbours and put their feet up over the forthcoming period.

But despite his injury-hit side facing three games in a week, starting with the Boxing Day visit to Stamford Bridge of Aston Villa, Grant enjoys one of English football's more quirky traditions.

"This is the only country in the world that plays over Christmas," remarked Grant.

"All the other countries, including my own of Israel, have a break at this time of the season.

"But for me it has been interesting to look on from the side.

"I don't think I've missed a game in England for more than 30 years, since I was 22.

"It has been very exciting watching from the side, but it's more exciting from the inside.

"I was in England last year with another club (Portsmouth), so for me it's exciting. This tradition is nice."

It was at Christmas last year that Chelsea effectively blew their bid for a third successive title, drawing three successive games and dropping six crucial points.

Then boss Jose Mourinho was without the spine of his team in Petr Cech, John Terry and Ashley Cole, and it ultimately proved costly as the Blues were unable to cope with the demands on the squad.

Remarkably, the same situation threatens Chelsea again as Grant is without Terry and striker Didier Drogba, while Cech is a concern with a side strain sustained in yesterday's 1-0 win at Blackburn.

With Chelsea six points adrift of leaders Arsenal and five points behind second-placed Manchester United, a repeat of last season's loss of form would kill off Chelsea's championship dreams.

For now, Grant is comfortable with Chelsea's third position in the league, and is refusing to discount Liverpool from the title race even though they are another four points off the pace.

"I think it's unusual to have four teams fighting for the title in December," assessed Grant.

"All four teams won their first game of the Christmas programme, so for you and us it will be an exciting title race this season.

"For us, six points is a gap we can make up.

"We just need to concentrate on winning our games because at this stage of the season there is not one team who will win every game from now until the end."

Grant, though, is also acutely aware of the injury situation as he could be forced to turn to third-choice goalkeeper Hilario due to Carlo Cudicini being sidelined with a training-ground rib injury.

"We are having to use the squad because of all the injuries," said Grant.

"The contribution of those players coming in for the injured ones has been very good because we are still winning."