Sidwell 'Second Thoughts' On Newcastle Offer?

But now Sidwell realises he has a big task ahead of him, trying to force his way into a midfield that boasts the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien.

Today insists he has not joined Jose Mourinho's star-studded squad just to sit on the bench.

Sidwell, who signed from Reading on a free transfer at the end of last season, completed his first training session as a Chelsea player in Los Angeles yesterday as the Blues got their pre-season tour in California under way.

Sidwell: "I sat down with the manager who said I was not here to make up the numbers and that I was brought here to play. Now it's down to me to grab that opportunity.

"It's going to be tough but throughout my career I've thrived on competition, I've learned from players around me and come on as a better player

"I've come to a big club full of world class players and I see that as an opportunity that can bring on my game by training with them day in, day out.

"The first day was tough and hard but from the day I signed this is what I've been looking forward to, getting on the training pitch with my new team-mates and getting the ball out.

"It's amazing really. When you finish the season, you can't wait for a break, but after a few weeks you can't wait to get back.

"So it was nice to get back today and with all the new faces.

"No disrespect to any of the (Reading) players but in this Chelsea squad you have got world-class players, players I've grown up watching, players at the highest level.

"The training is intense, it's fast but it's all beneficial to the players.

"It's going to take me a while to bed in but hopefully I can do that quickly and show the manager and the coaching staff and the players that I'm capable enough to play in this team."