Carlo Ancelotti has praised John Terry's technical and leadership abilities as the Chelsea skipper prepares to lead out his side for the 300th time in the UEFA Champions League clash with Porto.

Terry, 28, was first appointed Blues captain by Claudio Ranieri, and marshalled his side to back-to-back Premier League titles when Jose Mourinho stuck with him as skipper on arrival at the club in 2004.

Five managers have come and went since then, but each new boss has stuck firm with 'Mr Chelsea' Terry as their leader on the pitch, and Ancelotti was no exception when he took over at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

The Italian tactician took an immediate liking to his dependable centre-half, calling him his 'pet' after only months in the Chelsea hot-seat, and Terry's inspirational displays ruddering his side have not gone unnoticed by 'Carlitto'.

"I am happy because John Terry is a very good captain, not only for his technical qualities but also the 'professionality' and I hope that he will be the captain for a long time," Ancelotti told the club's official website.

Terry himself admitted he was 'honoured' at reaching the milestone, but echoed his manager's words in asserting that he hoped to continue to achieve great things at the club for years to come.

"Playing 300 games as Chelsea captain is a great achievement for myself," he said.

"I have played for a lot of managers and they have kept me as captain which is a great honour and I want to stay fit and keep Chelsea winning trophies."