Wayne Bridge relishing chance under Scolari

Wayne Bridge is relishing the chance to challenge Ashley Cole for a regular first team place as an attacking full-back under new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The 27-year-old signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League club earlier this month, and rubbished suggestions that he was lacking international ambition by being content playing second fiddle to Cole.

“It depends which way you look at it. If I go elsewhere does it mean for certain that I am going to play for England? I don't think so,” he told the club website during the Kuala Lumpur leg of their pre-season Asian tour.

“If I compete with Ashley here and show I am as good as him I've good more chance of getting an England place. This year I am hoping I can prove I am as good as him and play more games.”

The former Southampton star likes what he has seen of Scolari so far.

“The way the gaffer plays, he likes the full-backs to bomb forward and that is what I like to do so hopefully I will get used a lot,” he said.

Bridge made just 19 appearances last season as he struggled to displace Cole, but he wants to remain in west London.

“I love it here, I love the lads, the fans, everything about the club. It's a club I don't want to leave and it is a good sign that they want me for more years.”