Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer Praises Healthy Rivalry Between Peter Cech And Thibaut Courtois

Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has praised how Petr Cech has accepted his secondary role since Thibaut Courtois return to Stamford Bridge – even though some reports claimed that the veteran keeper is likely to move away during the January transfer window.

The Czech international has only made five appearances this season after manager Jose Mourinho decided to hand Courtois the number one role since returning from an impressive three-year loan spell at Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho claims he is happy to have them both competing for the starting spot, but Cech is said to be frustrated about the situation and may consider a January move.

Third-choice keeper, Schwarzer believes the three of them "complement each other well" and backs the Czech international to remain at West London.

"Everyone has an enormous amount of respect for each other and everyone works really hard," Schwarzer said, according to Chelsea's official website.

"We all complement each other well and it is a very good environment. Thibaut has come in and obviously it has been very difficult for Petr but he has been unbelievable with his professionalism and his determination to stay fit and work hard. I take my hat off to him. He has been amazing and when he had to come on against Arsenal he played exceptionally well."

Meanwhile, the Australian keeper has also lavished praise on current first choice Courtois and predicts a bright future for the 22-year-old.

"Thibaut came in [to the club] against a background of Petr being such a legend and accomplishing so much here and he had to hit the ground running -- and he has. He is an unbelievable goalkeeper and has his whole future ahead of him," he said.

Schwarzer also expressed his delight to have Didier Drogba back at Stamford Bridge, claiming the Ivory Coast international still can be very handy for the Blues.

"Against Didier you knew you were in for a proper fight and every ball was a 50-50. He was always very respectful and sportsman-like but he had the desire and determination to win which exuded all over the pitch.

"That is why Chelsea were so successful over that time and Didier has come back to do the same thing now, and hopefully we will be very successful again."