Carney, who has been used mostly at left-back at Blackpool this term, was given a start in an advanced left wing role in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

And the Socceroo had the first chance of the game on four minutes when his right-footed effort was saved by Petr Cech.

The Australian international was making his first appearances for the Tangerines in almost a month, and was productive in the first half, testing Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa on numerous occasions.

But Carney's delivery let him down at times, as the Blues went ahead on 20 minutes through John Terry.

Frank Lampard grabbed a second-half double for Chelsea, before Blackpool scored a late consolation through Jason Puncheon.

Carney played 73 minutes of the contest before being replaced.

Elsewhere overnight, Mile Jedinak was a 57th-minute substitute as Genclerbirligi lost to high-flying Fenerbahce 4-2 in Turkey's Super Lig.