Kurt Zouma determined to hold down Chelsea starting berth

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has vowed to "work hard" in order to keep John Terry out of the starting lineup.

The France international has edged into Jose Mourinho's first-team plans in recent weeks at the expense of experienced skipper Terry.

Zouma is now hoping to nail down a regular first-team place in the heart of defence alongside Gary Cahill, claiming that playing for the Blues is something that he has always "dreamed of".

"I want to keep playing, to keep my place in the team. You have to work hard for that," he French outlet Telefoot. "The legend (Terry) is always here and is like my teacher when I was little.

"He is an example for me and tells me a lot of things. This is the club I have always dreamed of."

Zouma has featured nine times for Chelsea this season in all competitions.