Andriy Shevchenko will lead the line for Ukraine against Scotland in next Wednesday’s Euro 2008 qualifying match [http://www.uefa.com/Competitions/euro/index.html] in Kiev: the striker has scored only once in the Premiership this season but he’s ready to put off the shade by the exploits of fellow striker Didier Drogba.

Alan Hansen, the former Scotland defender, criticised Shevchenko on Saturday night on BBC TV’s Match of the Day but Stamford Bridge manager Jose Mourinho, however, is not worried by his goal drought: “He just lacks the goal which will give him more confidence,”
said the Chelsea manager. “He played very well up front against Villa.”

“He is better physically, he already has the beating of his markers in one-on-ones and he shows great speed of movement.
The work he put in for the team when without the ball was very good.”

Form: Scotsman

Andriy Shevchenko insists his goal diet in the Premiership isn’t (yet) a problem.

His former AC Milan team-mate Kakha Kaladze said Sheva had made a mistake by leaving AC Milan but Shevchenko answered: “Life goes beyond football. I feel more free here than in Italy.”

“The life of a footballer in London is more simple, football is a show that finishes once the game is over.”

“Players go through difficult times and it happens to everyone. But I feel young and full of energy.”

“I chose Chelsea and I will continue on this path. Nothing can change my choice.”

About Roman Abramovich, despite his good relationship with Chelsea’s owner he said: “I’m not Abramovich’s golden boy. He takes care of all his players.”

After seven seasons at Milan, Shevchenko admitted he was glad Chelsea avoided his old club in the Champions League draw.

He said: “To have played against my former team-mates immediately after my move would have been a drama.”

Form: TribalFootball

Frank Lampard said: “Sheva is a top player and he’s playing in a team that’s winning and he’s working his socks off for the team.
Of course he’ll want to score goals because he’s a proven natural goalscorer.
But as long as he keeps working the goal will come and, once one comes, they will all come. We know that.”

Andriy Shevchenko, 30 on Friday, has been overshadowed by Didier Drogba (seven goals this season, including a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 3-1 Champions League win at Levski Sofia) since his £30million transfer from AC Milan.

He has only scored one goal in eight games for the Blues and has not found the net for more than a month.

From: Fox News