The Ivorian climbed off the substitutes’ bench to fire Chelsea into the knockout stage of the Champions League.

Drogba’s 71st-minute winner, which came six minutes after he replaced Salomon Kalou, helped Chelsea beat CFR Cluj 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

But it was still not enough for the Blues to take top spot in Group A after Roma beat Bordeaux in Rome.

Drogba’s season has been hampered by a knee injury and suspension, but there is little doubt a fully-fit Ivorian could provide the inspiration for Chelsea in the knockout stages.

Top scorer

“Drogba is one of the best strikers in the world,” said Scolari. “I have more options now he is fit.

“But he didn’t have a pre-season build-up because of injury and when he came back he got injured again. Then he was suspended and now he is back again.”

But the real dilemma facing the Brazilian coach is finding a system that can incorporate both 15-goal top scorer Nicolas Anelka and Drogba.

Anelka has been in fine form this term and Scolari was intent on paying tribute to the Frenchman despite Drogba’s heroics against Cluj.

“Drogba is important but don’t forget we are second in the Champions League group and second in the Barclays Premier League because our top scorer is Nicolas Anelka,” said Scolari.

“Drogba is one of the best in the world but I need to think about Anelka. He is as important as Drogba. After this, it is my job to put the two together.”

 Post written for Soccer Pitch by Jaco van Dyk