Gary Cahill excited ahead of final pre-season friendly at Brighton

Aug 4, 2012 11:40:00 AM

The Chelsea talisman is eager to be involved in his club’s final pre-season clash on Saturday afternoon - against former Blues star Gus Poyet's Seagulls

Gary Cahill is excited at the prospect of playing in Chelsea’s final pre-season clash at Brighton this afternoon.

The London club will be looking to wrap up their summer preparations ahead of their season opener at Villa Park next week in the Community Shield.

The defender came off the bench for the closing 30 minutes of Chelsea’s friendly tie with AC Milan in Miami last week, but the 26-year-old is eager to have a starting place in next Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.

“I don't know what team the manager will pick [against Brighton], but the squad will more than likely be the one generally involved at the start of the season,” Cahill told Chelsea’s official website.

“Everyone wants to play, to start, and show what they can do. I'm no different and there is a lot of competition. There will be times when players are rested with the amount of games we play, and there is depth, but you want to be the one in the big games, and hopefully I can play that part this season.”

Cahill is confident Chelsea’s summer preparations will pay off once the season gets underway, but he still feels there’s room for improvement if they want to challenge for the title next season.

“It's a good gauge to see where we are at a week before the Community Shield and I think it will be a good game for us,” he continued. “We've looked okay so far but the manager will be looking for improvement for sure.

“It's hard when you're in pre-season with a big squad that has travelled on tour, and the manager is trying to give everyone game time to get fit. You're making changes every two minutes to it is a bit false, but it was a good trip and we played some great opposition.

“We all know we can improve come the start of the season but that's what these friendly and tour games are about, brushing the cobwebs off and getting into a rhythm. You will make mistakes, but it's better to do it in these games.”

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