PLAYER PROFILE

Petr Cech

Position: Goal

Height: 6'6

Weight: 13st 10lbs

Date of Birth: 1982-05-20 Pitzen, Czech Republic

Petr Cech

Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech joined Chelsea at the start of the 2004/05 season after a move from Rennes was finally agreed earlier in the year.

His reputation as a giant between the sticks built at both Rennes and first club Sparta Prague, was cemented by his first season at Chelsea.

Bought to provide competition for Carlo Cudicini, he soon replaced the Italian in Jose Mourinho's first team, proving to be a vital mainstay in the Championship-winning side.

Helping the Blues to their most successful season for some years, Cech continued the fine form he showed for the Czech Republic in Euro 2004 by breaking the Barclays Premiership record for the most clean sheet in one season. All in all, he clocked up over one thousand minutes in all competitions without conceding.

He was also nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, missing out to team-mate John Terry, though he was named in the Premier League team of the season. The following year, he wasn't quite so consistently impressive, but still helped Chelsea canter to another title, while representing the Czech Republic at the 2006 World Cup, where they went out in the group stages.

Cech missed the start of the 2006/2007 season after under-going shoulder surgery after the World Cup. He returned to first team action on 27 August, keeping a clean-sheet in a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

His season was brought to a halt on the 14th October after just 2 minutes of a game against Reading. Challenging for a ball with Royals' forward Stephen Hunt, Cech's head colided with the Reading player's knee and left him concussed.

After being replaced by deputy Carlo Cudicini, he was immediately rushed to hospital and that evening underwent surgery for a depressed fracture of the skull. The challenge split football pundits, managers and players alike, although the majority appeared to back Hunt's right to go for the challenge.

There were initial fears that Cech would be out of action for up to a year but after taking the required three months out, he returned to action at the start of 2007, wearing protective headgear similar to that worn by rugby players.

Upon this return he was, as ever, a vital part of the Chelsea side and will hope for an uninterrupted campaign in 07/08.