Spirits high at Chadwell Heath

Gianfranco Zola and his staff have been hard at work this week ahead of a major meeting with Chelsea this weekend.

While the manager and some players took part in the club's charity golf day in glorious sunshine on Wednesday, the focus has still been very much on the footballing matters at hand. Jack Collison and Carlton Cole were among those working hard out on the training pitch and in the gym with the aim still for both to make an impact before the end of the season.

Jonathan Spector is in contention to face the UEFA Champions League semi-finalists on Saturday after sitting out the last two games because of concussion but it remains to be seen whether James Collins will be available after his calf problem against Aston Villa last weekend. There is also hope that Radoslav Kovac (thigh) will figure against the UEFA Champions League semi-finalists but Scott Parker (groin) could miss out again.

Also present at Chadwell Heath on Wednesday were Danny Gabbidon, Valon Behrami, Terry Dixon and Dean Ashton who are all working on their intensive rehabilitation programmes with next season the most likely aim for all four. One player who is out of the treatment room, though, is Kieron Dyer and the manager has been delighted with how he has performed in the last few games.

"Kieron has been absolutely excellent," Zola said looking back to his hour off the bench in the 1-1 draw against Villa. "It took him ten minutes to get into the game and after that he was brilliant. I am pleased for him as it has been a long time. He has worked very hard. Seeing him fit now is good for him and us."

With five games to go, the manager said everyone is "up for it" when it comes to pushing for as many points as possible in a bid to secure seventh spot and UEFA Europa League qualification. "We are going to be trying very hard and we know we have a great chance."