The 27-year-old will partner John Terry at the heart of defence in tomorrow night's Champions League last-16 second leg against FC Copenhagen.

However, that is arguably only because David Luiz is ineligible, while Ivanovic has also been earmarked by manager Carlo Ancelotti as the best solution to the club's right-back problem.

On top of this, his chances of starting at centre-half are set to be further restricted by the imminent return of Alex from injury.

Yet Ivanovic was adamant today he had no problem playing wherever Ancelotti asked him, saying simply: "I prefer to be on the pitch."

Proof of the highly-rated Serbia defender's commitment came a month ago when he signed a new five-year contract.

He added: "I see my future in Chelsea.

"I want to be ready and to give maximum for the team. It depends on the manager which position."

And rather be threatened by the arrival of Luiz, Ivanovic welcomes a player who has dazzled since his £25million move from Benfica.

He said: "David is a brilliant player. He showed a good attitude and performances in the games he's played.

"It's important for him to play as many games as possible this year.

"He has to get ready for English football, but he's shown his quality.

"He is showing this and the technique in training every day. I think he can help us to win a lot of games."

While Luiz is undoubtedly Chelsea's man of the moment, Ivanovic has arguably been their man of the season over the course of a campaign which saw them suffer an alarming dip at the end of 2010.

He has also played a key part in helping them get back on track in the last three weeks, a revival that began with their 2-0 Champions League win in Copenhagen.

The victory put Chelsea within touching distance of the quarter-finals but Ivanovic was taking nothing for granted today.

"In football, 2-0 is a big advantage but is also a very dangerous score," said Ivanovic, who admitted fantasising about winning this year's Wembley final.

"I have this dream. For every player, this is one of the biggest competitions in the world and it would be the biggest success in football, winning the Champions League."

It is also not impossible for Chelsea to complete a sensational comeback in the Barclays Premier League title race.

"I think we cannot say goodbye to the title," said Ivanovic.

"But, at the same time, we cannot leave the Champions League on the side.

"We have all the players fit, a good squad, and we have to use all our power to try to fight until the last moment in all competitions."