Duff and Johnson show value to Chelsea

Malaysia 1 Chelsea 4

Claudio Ranieri laughed off reports that Raul's agent had said the Spanish striker had turned the chance of a £66m transfer to Stamford Bridge to stay at Real Madrid.

After watching his side score three late goals to wrap up a victory that should have been more comfortable to book a place in the Asia Cup final against Newcastle United, Ranieri said: "100million Euros, is that all? Raul tonight, tomorrow it is Rivaldo. Maybe Raul must renew his contract [at Real Madrid]. I'd like to speak only about the game. There is a big match on Sunday against Newcastle. That is important for us here. In London it is another story."

The link with Raul emerged on the day that Ranieri he was reported to be interested in Real's Claude Makelele and Roma's midfielder Emerson.

His desire to add another midfielder to his squad, having already brought in Damien Duff and Geremi, was repeated this evening after he watched Frank Lampard paired with the youngster Joe Keenan against the hard-running, enthusiastic Malaysians.

"I need another midfielder because I am playing just Frank Lampard and other young players," said Ranieri, who is currently without the injured Emmanuel Petit.

Lacking drive from that area in the first half, Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, although much of that was down to fitness, rustiness, the high humidity and the commitment shown by the Malaysians.

Wayne Bridge started his first game since switching from Southampton and played a full 90 minutes, while their £17m signing from Blackburn Rovers, Damien Duff, and the former West Ham United full-back Glen Johnson made significant impacts when they came off the bench.

Malaysia held Chelsea to 1-1 at the interval, with the defender Hairuddin Omar equalising a well-worked opener by Lampard. The hosts continued to push on and kept Marco Ambrosini busy before Ranieri introduced his substitutes. The fresh legs and increased class proved telling in the final 20 minutes.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink regained the lead for Chelsea on 70 minutes before Duff skipped down the left and picked out the head of Eidur Gudjohnsen in the box with a perfect cross.

Hasselbaink then turned provider, curling a corner to the far post where Johnson, who had come on as a first-half replacement for Robert Huth, headed home Chelsea's fourth.