Shevchenko insists he'll make it

Andriy Shevchenko, the £30 million striker who has scored only three league goals since his summer move from Milan to Chelsea, has insisted he will eventually find his form.

Shevchenko, who also scored a goal in the Community Shield, said: "I give 100 per cent all the time and I am committed and hungry for success with Chelsea. I have total respect for the Chelsea club and fans as well as for football in England and the culture of the country. There are always good and not-so-good moments in sport, that's normal. If that means there is opinion and criticism, I respect that."

Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, has denied holding talks with Chelsea about a possible return to San Siro for the Ukrainian. "At this time there have not been any negotiations with Chelsea, regarding Andriy Shevchenko's return to our club," Galliani insisted.

Even if Shevchenko wanted to return, Italian rules are likely to stand in his way. Milan would have to sell another non-EU player to make way, which they appear unwilling to do.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has defended Shevchenko. "The most difficult position to play is striker," he said. "They live on statistics, how many goals, how many assists. Thierry Henry, I am told, scored one goal in 12 matches when he moved to Arsenal from Juventus. It is not easy to adapt. Italian football is different to English football even though we play much the same system as AC Milan."

At a similar stage in his Chelsea career Didier Drogba, currently England's top scorer, had scored four times in 15 Premiership matches following his move from Marseille.

"Shevchenko is making a clear improvement," Mourinho added. "He is very alive on the field as he showed against Bolton. He is making penetrating moves and runs. He is also becoming more adept at pressing opponents when the team loses the ball. It was a very positive performance by Shevchenko. To be honest I do not care about goals, I judge players on other items."

Shevchenko's fine drive at the end of the first half on Wednesday night drew a fine save from Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen. "He can be frustrated because such a beautiful shot normally brings a goal," Mourinho added. "He knows the way I think about football. I will support him the maximum I can. I cannot wait for the future when we will see the best of Shevchenko."