The 30million pounds signing from AC Milan has failed to shine this season for the two-time Premiership champions scoring once in five appearances while his strike partner Didier Drogba has been far more impressive.

However Mourinho told the Sun newspaper as he flew out for the Blues Champions Leaague group match with Levski Sofia that there was no danger of the Ukrainian superstar losing his place in the starting line-up. "The combination of Didier Drogba and Shevchenko works," said Mourinho.

"Chelsea are winning matches, Chelsea are scoring goals. He is a team player."

Mourinho acknowledged that while Shevchenko, who had a quieter than expected World Cup finals though he had been injured prior to it, retained his confidence there was only one remedy that would improve the former European player of the year's morale.

"I know a striker's happiness is more about scoring goals. That day has to arrive and he will score goals.

"Sheva is such a top player in the world, he has nothing to prove.

"He knows I trust him. He knows he did not score against Fulham on Saturday (a 2-0 win that pushed Chelsea to the top of the Premiership) but he will play on Wednesday because I am happy with the contribution he gave us," said Mourinho, who pushed him back into midfield but only because the Portuguese said he was better with the ball at his feet than Drogba.