The Ukrainian striker, who joined Chelsea for a record-busting £30million from AC Milan in the summer, admits he has found it difficult to adapt to the English game.

But despite suggestions to the contrary, his relationship with coach Mourinho has never been better.

Shevchenko is now hoping to regain his first team place by shaking off the ankle problem he suffered in training on Tuesday.

The striker was kept on the bench as Chelsea cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership to six points with victory at Manchester City last night.

But there is no doubt the striker is feeling much more settled at Stamford Bridge and remains committed to the cause of helping Mourinho claim more glory this season.

Shevchenko told Chelsea's official magazine: "I feel very comfortable and settled here now and I am enjoying life.

"I enjoy working with Jose Mourinho a lot. I like his methods and his philosophy. I have been attacked from all sides but I intend to carry on.

"I like his methods and his philosophy. Of course it's different, because every coach has their own style. But I like the way Mourinho works.

"And that's how you learn - by adding together everything from all the different coaches you've worked with. Every coach I worked with has helped build some part of me.

"I will grit my teeth. I am definitely not a quitter. My contract runs for four years, I want to play for this team and win things with this team. It is a great team and it is important to play for a great team.

"I am here now and I am staying here and continuing to work to fit in the team because I want to show people the real me."

"Especially in the last two months, things have got much better for me on the pitch. I'm really moved by the support I get. When I play I can see that the fans in the stadium are really behind me."

Meanwhile, France coach Raymond Domenech has included Chelsea youngster Lassana Diarra in the squad for their double-header with Lithuania and Austria later this month.

Diarra has finally secured a regular place in the Chelsea first team squad but not in the midfield role he was expected to take up once veteran Claude Makelele stepped down.

Makelele is also included in the France squad but Diarra has found himself playing at right-back for Chelsea and earning rave reviews in the process.

Makelele returned to his best form in the 1-0 win over City but Diarra started on the bench.

It is the first time the youngster has been called up for the national squad with France set to play Lithuania in a Euro 2008 qualifier in Kaunas on March 24 and Austria in friendly four days later.

Arsenal's Abou Diaby also gets a call-up and Domenech said: "They are young players, they are playing - and for big clubs. It will be interesting to see them.

"We have injuries so it isn't an easy time for us. Both matches are important for us."

Chelsea overcame a stubborn Manchester City side thanks to a first-half penalty from Frank Lampard - his 20th of the season.

Michael Essien missed the game with a knee injury - but should return for Saturday's clash with Sheffield United.

The Ghanaian international has been in outstanding form while deputising in defence for captain John Terry.

The England captain returned last night but the injury robbed Essien of the chance to return to his favoured midfield role.

However, the midfielder is hoping he can go back to his more normal attacking tendencies against United, providing he can shake off his knock in time.

Essien said: "I am a midfielder now and I think like a midfielder. So when I play centre-back I often get forward more than I should and have to release the ball and get back.

"I try to attack the ball first. I remember when I was a kid they used to tell us we have to get the ball first and I have that in my mind all the time.

"I really enjoy anywhere I play and anytime I see any space I try to attack it and get something out of it."