Branislav Ivanovic is trying to copy John Terry's work ethic in a bid to save his Chelsea career.

The Serbia defender has started just six League games since joining from Lokomotiv Moscow for £9million in January last year.

He has been constantly linked with a move and Fiorentina came close to buying him last month, only for Chelsea to block the deal.

Ivanovic reveals he has stepped up his work rate to improve his chances of getting in the team after being put to shame by Terry's efforts.

The 24-year-old said: "When I first came to Chelsea I did not even think of staying after training. But then I saw how others behaved, headed by the captain, John Terry.

"To have the chance and prove that you have the right for a place in the main team you must be in your best form in any moment. Your fate depends only on you. There is a common rule: the better you train, the better you play. And there is no other way.

"At the beginning of this season I did not play, but after a couple of months I entered the field and showed what I can do. Though I understand that this is only the first step.

"I must work much harder as I understand that I can play much better. But I am happy there is progress because if there was none I would have started to think my situation over."

Ivanovic is likely to still be on the bench to face Hull tomorrow even if Ricardo Carvalho fails to return from a hamstring injury as Alex is ahead of him in the pecking order.

Winger Ricardo Quaresma is set to make his debut having joined on loan from Inter Milan this week.

Hull have gone eight League games without a win but their striker Richard Garcia thinks his side can repeat the early-season form which saw them beat Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham.

The Australia international said: "I suppose no one expects us to get anything out of this game but we have done it before against big teams."