Chelsea’s £30 million striker Andriy Shevchenko is begging manager Avram Grant to pick him for the Carling Cup final, according to reports this mornimg.

The Ukrainian, who has spent the last six weeks on the sidelines with a back injury is keen to ensure his coach doesn’t forget him for the Wembley date.

Shevchenko, 31, is concerned that with the return of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou from the Africa Nations Cup, as well as the recent signing of Frenchman Nicolas Anelka, has meant the former AC Milan player has slipped out of contention.

A source close to the Ukrainian said: “Andriy is ready. He has been working very hard and he is feeling good now.

“He has been very frustrated. He was in good form before he got injured, so it was unfortunate. He has been working very hard on his fitness.

“It was an awkward injury and it took longer to get right than we thought.

“Andriy wants to play. He wants to be part of things at Wembley, though he knows he will almost certainly be starting on the bench.

“He is ready for that. He just wants a chance.”