Cahill impressed by Zouma

Cape Town - Gary Cahill partnered Kurt Zouma in the centre of defence against Shrewsbury Town and believes the emergence of the 20-year-old will help push his own game on.

Gary Cahill signed for Chelsea in mid-January 2012 and has has gone on to solidify his place in the Chelsea lineup but is taking nothing for granted with plenty of teammates eager to take his place.

"He’s a big guy; he’s strong, powerful, good in the air and a fantastic talent. He’s a great guy off the pitch and every time he’s been asked to play he’s done really well," Cahill told the Chelsea website.

"I’ve always felt pushed since I’ve been at the club.

"You never feel like the shirt is yours, there’s always somebody either in front of you or right behind you and that’s the way it is throughout your career.

"Kurt’s a fantastic player and a great option for the manager to have, and obviously Iva [Branislav Ivanovic] can play centre-back as well."

Looking ahead to the London derby on Saturday, Cahill is wary of an improving QPR side.

"On Saturday it’s another home game to look forward to, but QPR are coming off the back of a good result, I watched them on Monday [beat Aston Villa] and they were great so yet again it’s another tough game in the Premier League.

"We’re playing at home so hopefully we can get the right result. We have to prepare right, rest up after the Shrewsbury game and make sure we’re ready."

On Saturday, Chelsea entertain Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge. The match kicks off at 17:00.