Captain John Terry believes Chelsea have one of their strongest squads for years as they prepare for Wednesday night's crucial Champions League last-16 return leg against Olympiacos.

Terry, along with midfielder Frank Lampard, was omitted from the first leg in freezing Athens where Avram Grant's side carved out a goalless draw.

Chelsea's performance on the night was disappointing and Grant labelled it their worst in Europe since he replaced Jose Mourinho in September.

Terry fought his way back to full fitness in time for the Olympiacos game after recovering from a fractured foot that left him on the sidelines for two months.

Now he is hoping to enjoy a successful run-in towards the end of the season after the disappointment of losing the Carling Cup final to Tottenham last Sunday.

The defender insists the Blues have the squad to win something this season despite their Wembley defeat.

"You can't come to Chelsea and get away with being an average player," said Terry.

"That's the way the club has gone and hopefully we can maintain this, and keep attracting the world-class players that we have.

"Having that taste of defeat is not a nice feeling to have, and there are things out there we can win, like the Champions League that we still haven't won."

Terry's season has been blighted by injuries to his toe, knee and foot and he admits it has been a difficult time for him.

He added: "It's frustrating for me because in pre-season I was doing well and felt really fit. I worked very hard because I didn't play much last year, and I just felt really good.

"Then I got my broken toe and picked up a couple of niggles, then my knee and then my foot. It's part of the game but it is so frustrating for a second season running when I'd gone four or five years without picking up any injuries."

Olympiacos will be no pushovers as they demonstrated in Athens, but their lack of attacking ambition should see Chelsea overcome the Greeks to progress into the quarter-finals.

Terry is hoping the Stamford Bridge faithful will help them to make it another special European night.

In the first leg, although he did not play, Terry turned good Samaritan to help out some ticketless fans.

Terry explained: "What really stands out for me is the trip to Olympiacos.

"You realise how many went over, in their thousands and, as we were circling in the air because of the snow, we had to wait an hour and a half before we landed. There was talk of landing in Corfu and travelling to Athens from there.

"Sitting on the plane, it was disappointing for us, but my instant thought was that the fans have to go through the same thing. I saw them at the game, and managed to get a few tickets for some fans that had gone over without them on the off chance. They were at the hotel, tried their luck and fortunately I could help.

"There were about 50 fans, I only had three, but at least I could give them away. I just hope they enjoyed the game.

"Never do we take for granted what Chelsea fans do for us, whether it be at home or travelling away and around Europe. It's amazing the passion they show for the club, and we owe it to them."

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