Chelsea are considering taking a gamble on Michael Mancienne as the man to mark Lionel Messi in next week's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. The England Under-21 international played at left-back for the reserve team in a 2-2 draw with West Brom last night, with Guus Hiddink in attendance. "It was a new one on me, I've never played there before. The manager came to watch and I was asked to have a go," Mancienne said.

Ashley Cole is suspended for the first leg against Barcelona and the London club do not have a ready-made replacement. Mancienne, who has started only one Premier League game this season and normally plays at centre-back or on the right, said: "The manager is keeping his options open. I would love the challenge of facing Messi."