Grant backs Terry's captaincy

Terry's suitability for the role has been called into question amid criticism over his hounding of referees and behaviour off the pitch.

But Grant has been impressed by Terry's leadership, especially during the upheaval that ensued in the wake of Jose Mourinho's exit in September, saying: "If you ask the coaches and managers all over the world if they want a captain like John Terry, they will say yes. John is a great captain on the pitch, off the pitch, 24 hours a day."

He added: "Just one of John's strengths is on the pitch. His other strengths are the way he connects with other players and what he does for children. I see him day by day and what he does off the pitch is an example to others.

"People are often judged on what is written about them, but sometimes there is a writer who doesn't like John Terry or me. Judge John through his actions - not what is being written about him. He's a professional and he's doing what he needs to do. I don't know where this talk has come from.

"Everything looks good at Chelsea now but back in September we had problems and he did a great job for the team. Everyone sees he's a good player, but off the pitch he pulled everyone together during what was a difficult time.

"His actions showed he cared about Chelsea and not other things. He's doing the same for England - he got injured for six weeks because he wanted to play for England against Russia. I don't think there is a better captain in England."