Chelsea v Rubin Kazan: Ryan Bertrand hoping to take opportunity in absence of Ashley Cole

Cole out with a hamstring injury

Chelsea player Ryan Bertrand (GETTY IMAGES)

Ryan Bertrand has an opportunity to put pressure on Ashley Cole for the Chelsea and England left-back berth - beginning against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League tonight.

The hamstring injury which has led to Cole's absence for around two weeks is set to give the 23-year-old a run of games to prove himself as a genuine rival to his senior team-mate.

"Personally it's a chance now for me to come and play in the next few games," Bertrand said.

"It's just down to me to keep training well, keep my performances up to a level and keep pushing and pushing and pushing until the time comes.

"It's just important I focus on the next game and make sure we get the right results.

"For me it's about getting in game time and trying to put in as good performances as I can."

Bertrand has won the Champions League and FA Cup and twice played for England, but has missed out on selection since winning his second cap against Ukraine last September.

"It's just about focusing on my club game and I'm sure if I get enough games and my performances are hopefully good enough that should take care of itself," he added.

Bertrand has made 32 appearances for the Blues season and played down the torrid time he experienced against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League last November.

"I just think that was another game and valuable experience and learning curve for what may come in the future," he said.

That suggested he is not yet ready to challenge Cole, who recently signed a contract extension at Stamford Bridge, but now Bertrand has another opportunity against Russians Rubin Kazan, who eliminated holders Atletico Madrid earlier in the competition.

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez was asked about Bertrand's improvement as the Blues, last season's Champions League winners, seek to succeed Atletico as Europa League winners.

Benitez said Bertrand had progressed during his tenure, along with Victor Moses, Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Oscar and Juan Mata.

On his most-improved list was also Frank Lampard, who appears to be in the final months of his Chelsea career.

Benitez said: "He (Lampard) has been doing really well for us. When I came (in November) he was injured. He was scoring goals at the beginning, he was scoring more goals after that.

"He has improved - his form, at least, during this season."

The Rubin Kazan clash is Chelsea's third of six in 16 days and 56th of the season.

It comes in the week the Blues advanced in the FA Cup at the expense of Manchester United and ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Sunderland.

Benitez, whose contract ends in May, hopes a strong finish to the season will see him take a leading job next term.

"I like to win, to challenge for trophies," the Spaniard said. "I would like to stay in a top side. A top side, why not in England?

"If we can achieve trophies and finish in the top three, fantastic. Everybody will be happy. That is my aim at the moment."

PA