Carlo focused on result

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists Fernando Torres’ form is not his main concern ahead of Wednesday night’s visit of Birmingham.

Torres is yet to score in nine Premier League appearances for the Blues, having switched to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool in January for £50million.

Chelsea, who are eight points adrift of leaders Manchester United, host Alex McLeish’s men bidding to keep alive their slim chances of defending their title.

Ancelotti dropped Torres to the bench for the Blues’ 3-1 win at West Brom at the weekend, but he is more concerned with results than the Spaniard’s form.

“I’m not worried about this,” Ancelotti told Sky Sports News.

“I hope tomorrow (he will score) but my thoughts right now are to put out the best team, to play good football and to win the game.

“He played nine minutes (against West Brom) and he showed character, I liked it. He scored but it was offside.

‘Hope’

“He will score. He can score if he plays (against Birmingham). But it doesn’t matter if Fernando or another scores,” added the Italian.

Didier Drogba replaced Torres in the starting line-up at The Hawthorns and responded with his second goal in two games, grabbing the equaliser after Chelsea fell behind.

Ancelotti refused to be drawn on suggestions the Ivory Coast international is hell-bent on proving a point and highlighted the whole team’s character in responding to their UEFA Champions League exit with a win.

“It was a good opportunity to show their character and they did that very well against West Brom,” said Ancelotti.

“Not just him (Drogba), all the players reacted very well.”