Get off Terry´s back, snaps Wilkins

John Terry has suffered enough abuse over his alleged extra-marital affair and it is time for fans to stop jeering the Chelsea skipper, insists Blues assistant manager Ray Wilkins.

Terry has been subjected to relentless boos and jokes about his well-publicised alleged liaison with former team-mate Wayne Bridge’s ex-partner by supporters of Chelsea’s opponents – not to mention England fans after he was stripped of the international captaincy in the fall-out.

“I would like to think it’s over,” Wilkins said of the abuse.

“It’s served it course. But it’s happening and John’s just getting on with the situation.

“I’m obviously not too happy about it but there’s nothing whatsoever I can do about it, unfortunately.

“I think he’s dealing with the situation in the only way he possibly can: getting on with his football and committing himself to the cause.

“He’s an exceptional captain and we’re delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in a fantastic fashion.”

Terry had a rare moment of cheer on Sunday as he inspired Chelsea to a 2-0 win over Stoke City in the FA Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge.

The centre-half set up the first goal for midfielder Frank Lampard in the 35th minute and headed in his England colleague’s corner in the 67th to earn Carlo Ancelotti’s side a Wembley semi-final against Aston Villa.

Terry was subjected to jeers throughout by the Stoke fans and pointed out his captain’s armband to them as he celebrated his goal.

“I think he was just taking a litle bit of stick from the Stoke supporters and he just demonstrated in that fashion,” Wilkins said.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis said Terry had to come to terms with his treatment, be it from opposing sides’ supporters or even England fans.

“John will have to accept that he’s going to take stick,” the Potters boss said.

“He took stick from England supporters the other night, but he’ll get over that. If England go to the World Cup and do brilliant and win it and John’s part of it, then he’ll be a hero.”

Meanwhile Wilkins said FA Cup holders Chelsea were determined to retain their trophy and were not taking the competition lightly, despite them gunning for a Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble.

The holders have qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals in nine of the last 17 seasons and are bidding for third final in four years.

“We class the FA Cup as a massive competition for us. The FA Cup is high on our list,” the former England captain said.

England midfielder Joe Cole was an unused substitute as the Blues saw off Stoke, amid speculation that he may consider a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Cole’s contract expires at the end of the season. Negotiations have made little progress and he is free to talk to other teams and sign a pre-contract agreement, possibly with one of Chelsea’s Premier League title rivals.

He has made just 11 Premier League starts this season and is still to hit top form following his return from a serious knee injury.

“We are very fortunate that we have a superb squad of players. Carlo has a very difficult task in actually picking a side becuase everybody merits a place in our team,” Wilkins said.

“Joe’s been through a traumatic time with his knee, and you get highs and lows coming back from those injuries. But there’s no doubt that Joe will play many more times for Chelsea.

“That’s between Joe and the club whether that contract is signed but that will be done towards the latter stages of the season.”