Petr Cech Warns Jose Mourinho and Thibaut Courtois he won't Settle for Second Choice at Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has told Jose Mourinho he will not settle for second choice at Stamford Bridge next season.

The return of Thibaut Courtois to west London following three excellent campaigns on loan at Atletico Madrid suggests Mourinho is considering naming the young Belgian his first choice in goal at the club next season.

Cech, 32, has been an immovable object in the Blues' goal following his arrival from Rennes in 2004 but for the first time in his career faces stern competition for a starting role.

And having completed his comeback from a shoulder injury which required surgery at the end of last season, the long-serving goalkeeper has no intention of making way for his young rival.

"I don't want to be on the bench," Cech is quoted as saying by the Mirror. "This is why I am trying to do everything to be in the team. I don't want to talk about ifs and buts. Let's see how I am going and what happens.

"You know I always give my best and obviously that is all I can do. I will do my best and do everything I can do to be as ready as possible for when the season starts.

"Every year there is a challenge. If you are going to be in the team you are going to have to do better than the other guys in the team. I think Mark Schwarzer, when he came last year, did remarkably well, during the pre-season and when he played in any game he did very well, so I l knew the challenge was there."

Cech's agent has previously revealed that although his client is eager to remain at the club, he will seek out offers from Europe's elite if he is unable to secure regular first-team football opportunities.

The shot stopper himself admits he is still unsure of Mourinho's intentions ahead of the new campaign, but will use his pre-season opportunities to convince his manager.

"Obviously Jose Mourinho will make his choice and decide how his team is going to look for the first game, second game, third game, whatever game," Cech continued.

"It is up to us players to show we are ready to play and make him pick us. I am not any different. I am doing everything I can to make him pick me."