Drogba's future at the club appeared to be in doubt after he became disillusioned with life under Felipe Scolari and not playing on a regular basis.

But he has been transformed since the arrival just over a fortnight ago of Hiddink until the end of the season.

He scored the midweek winner at Portsmouth and followed that up with a piece of clinical finishing in the 2-0 win at Coventry which booked a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the third time in four years.

The Ivory Coast player has also been willing to participate in extra training sessions as he strives to recapture the form that made him one of football's most feared forwards.

Hiddink said: "From the first day, when I saw him at Watford in the FA Cup, and after that, for me he has been a guy who has been working hard.

"I have had no complaints about his attitude and commitment and he is working hard in training and in games.

"I don't want to judge what happened before I came here but outside of training sessions with the whole group, we are also doing a specific programme with him and that is paying off.

"He likes to do it. It is not that I have to force him to do extra work. We focus on what is asked and demanded in the game.

"He wants to do it and, when it is paying off like at Coventry, it is perfect."

Drogba dedicated his opening goal at the Ricoh Arena to midfielder Michael Essien who has been sidelined for six months with knee ligament damage.

He went across to the dug-out to celebrate with Essien who made his comeback as a second-half substitute.

Drogba said: "I know I was out of action for a while so I know what if feels like for Michael. I was happy to see him on the bench - and my goal was for him.

"He could make a big impact in the final part of the season. But he has to play to get used to the feel of the games and the pressure of the games and improve physically and technically after so long out.

"He needs time. He still needs time to be better but it is good to have him back."

Hiddink admitted he is weighing up whether to recall Essien to the starting line-up for the second leg of the Champions League clash with Juventus on Tuesday.

He said: "Essien has played and trained with the second team. Now he is fit but it is different to be game fit if you are playing very tough games.

"I have hours to think whether we start with him (against Juventus), yes or no, and see what his reaction is from Saturday - but it is good to have people on the bench who can slot in easily."

Drogba's strike partner Nicolas Anelka is unlikely to have recovered from his toe injury in time to face the Serie A giants.

He said: "Will Anelka be fit for Tuesday? I doubt it. He is working but he has been out now for many days. We will see what his reaction is to some treatment plus training."

Coventry striker Clinton Morrison has urged his side to make a late bid for the play-offs in the Coca Cola Championship and believes it is possible if they perform like they did against the Blues.

Morrison said: "If we win seven out of our last 11 games, we could get into the play-offs. We have two massive away games at Bristol City and Preston in the next week and it will be difficult.

"But, if we acquit ourselves like against Chelsea, we have got a chance.

"We are a bit disappointed but Chelsea are a world class team. We tried our hardest but they have got players all over the pitch and it was always going to be difficult.

"They have a right-back (Boswinga) they bought for £17 million who is like a right-winger. They have quality players in all positions and even on the bench and even left at home.

"They are one of the best teams in the world so we always knew it was going to be a difficult game."