Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has praised Didier Drogba after the striker netted his 100th Premier League goal for the Blues in Saturday's 1-0 win against Stoke City.

The Ivorian, who joined the club from Marseille in 2004, intricately rounded Asmir Begovic before he slotted in to an empty net.

"Didier profited from Mata's beautiful pass and he finished it expertly," Cech told his official website.

"He went around the goalkeeper and scored his 100th goal in the English league. He has been here nearly eight years and he has an amazing average of goals scored per game.

"And he did not even play for some time with injuries. I congratulate him, he is still an exceptional striker."

Drogba is expected to start for Chelsea on Wednesday when they look to overturn a 3-1 deficit against Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge.

Written by
Jack Prescott