Terry Praises Benched Cech  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea captain John Terry said Petr Cech is still fighting for a starting spot despite Thibaut Courtois starring in the Champions League.

Courtois made a number of fine saves to help Chelsea secure a 1-1 draw in their last-16, first-leg tie against Paris St Germain on Tuesday.

The Belgium international, Jose Mourinho's first-choce keeper for most of the season, started at the Parc des Princes despite Cech's heroics in last week's Premier League victory over Everton.

"Petr still has a lot to give and is fighting for his place, which is great," said Terry. "He's not just given up and said, 'The place is yours, Thibaut'.

"It's unlucky for Petr because he made two unbelievable saves against Everton.

"I have seen a lot of players throw their toys out of the pram but he has been different class for the team, which has been important for the squad.

"Credit to him, he's not even rumbled or sent shockwaves through the dressing room. The manager stresses the importance of the team coming first and he's done that, Thibaut too.

"They're both there for the whole squad. They have both been excellent."

'World class'

Mourinho has described his goalkeeper selection as "easy" as both are among the world's best, a statement backed up by Terry.

"We have the two best keepers in the world in my opinion both fighting for one place - it's difficult," he said.

"You can't keep them both happy. The manager manages to do it, I don't know how. They want to play all the time but the two of them are at the top of their game. So rotating them at certain times and picking them is tough."

Since Courtois returned from his three-year loan at Atletico Madrid as No 1 there has been speculation of Cech leaving Stamford Bridge.

And Chelsea could be forced to sell the 32-year-old signed from Rennes in 2004 in the summer, when he will enter the final 12 months of his current contract.

"He is good enough to play for anyone," Terry said. "He's been worth 10, 12 points to us every season. I have not spoken to him about it (what Cech will do in the summer).

"When he's come in he's been brilliant and given the manager food for thought."

Mourinho has another big decision on March 1 in the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley.

Cech played the early rounds, but Courtois came in for the two-legged semi-final with Liverpool.

"It's going to be tough," Terry added. "Pete has played most of the games but Thibaut played in the last round. But the manager has always stressed that the team comes first."