Lewington backs under-fire Ranieri

Ray Lewington sprang to the defence of Claudio Ranieri today, describing the continuing speculation linking England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson with the Chelsea manager's job as "grossly unfair."

Lewington's Watford team meet Chelsea in an FA Cup third round replay at Stamford Bridge next week while Ranieri's future at the club remains a question of debate.

There was new speculation this weekend that Roman Abramovich wants Eriksson to succeed Ranieri before the end of the season, but that seems distinctly unlikely with the Swede fully committed to guiding England through to the end of Euro 2004 at the very least.

"I enjoy this speculation," Ranieri said. "In Italy the newspapers are always full of these things. All I can say is that I am here and I intend to stay."

Ranieri's senior players have always publicly backed their coach and Lewington today added his support when he said: "It's grossly unfair.

"No other manager has had to put up with this kind of pressure. OK he has spent a lot more money than anyone else, but he was starting from a much lower base.

"He has spent the money wisely and Chelsea have a chance of honours on three fronts. I have no axe to grind but, for me, he's doing a fine job and should be left along to complete it."

Ranieri meanwhile, admitted it will be difficult to leave England centre-back John Terry out of his team in the future, following the 2-2 draw at Watford.

The Chelsea coach rested Terry and Wayne Bridge from his team because of this Wednesday's Premiership encounter against Liverpool

But the central defensive partnership of William Gallas and Marcel Desailly struggled to cope with the considerable presence of Watford's Icelandic striker Heidar Helguson. Goalkeeper Neil Sullivan also looked unsure.

"I had hoped to give John some rest without suffering in this way," said Ranieri. "At this moment I cannot rest him again.

"Frank Lampard needs some rest as well. He did not play as well against Watford as he normally does, but he is very important to the team."

Helguson opened the scoring for Watford in the fifth minute with a header which rebounded off the crossbar but, as replays showed, did not cross the line.

Eidur Gudjohnsen equalised from the penalty spot after Jesper Gronkjaer had been brought down by Chelsea's on-loan goalkeeper Len Pidgeley and although Gavin Mahon restored Watford's lead, Lampard scored before half-time to square things up again.

"I definitely believe Heidar could do a job in the Premiership," said Lewington.

"He reminds me of Andy Gray when he played - great in the air and a battering ram of a striker."