The 25-year-old former Southampton left-back has struggled with injuries this term and has also failed at times to reach the standard of play that tempted Chelsea to pay £7million for his services in July 2003. Made his England debut in the 1-1 draw against Holland in February 2002 and came on as a substitute in the World Cup clashes against Argentina and Nigeria four years ago. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho allowed Bridge to join Fulham on loan in January in order to improve his prospects of regular first-team action in the closing weeks of the domestic season.