Chelsea will speed up contract talks with Joe Cole after he made a triumphant return to first-team action in the 5-0 thrashing of Blackburn on Saturday.
The England midfielder, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has repeatedly said he wanted to wait until he was back in action before thinking about a new long-term contract.
But Cole's successful return after 10 months out injured with knee ligament damage is set to spark Chelsea into offering him a new deal as soon as possible.
The 27-year-old was superb in Chelsea's easy victory over Rovers, playing behind the front two in his favoured central role. A brace from Frank Lampard, an own goal by Gael Givet plus strikes from Michael Essien and Didier Drogba - his eighth of the season - completed the rout.
Cole's work-rate, trickery and flair had the Stamford Bridge faithful drooling with delight. He was given a standing ovation when substituted in the 76th minute and coach Carlo Ancelotti hugged the midfielder like a long-lost son before allowing him to sit down in the dugout.
Chelsea are hoping to get the FIFA ban, which prevents them from signing any players until 2011, suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
That would allow them to boost their squad in January but Cole's return could go a long way to easing their concerns.
The former West Ham man was so delighted with his performance that he has already set his sights on a return to the England squad with next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa clearly on his mind.
"I am very determined to get back to playing for Chelsea and England and today was a good step for me," said a jubilant Cole.
"I know all the games won't be like Blackburn but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It was a great win for us.
"Over the years I have learnt to be patient with myself and the chances come, especially at a club like this. We have to rotate players, which we haven't done as well over the last three years, and which we could have done.
"Everyone looks fresh and everyone is happy they are all playing games. We look sharp.
"I just try and do my best and enjoy my football. I genuinely love playing the game. It was brilliant just to be out there again. But I enjoyed playing in a more central role - it was the first time in my career.
"I started off playing youth-team football in that position and then moved out to the wing.
"I am very lucky to play for Chelsea and very lucky to play for England and there is so much to look forward to over the next few months."
The victory was also the perfect tonic for Ancelotti, who returned home to be with his sick father in Italy today.
Dad Giuseppe is recovering from surgery but Ancelotti is hoping he will be over the worst soon.