Cahill 'privileged' to follow Terry as Chelsea captain

Terry, 36, is Chelsea's most successful skipper, leading them to four Premier League titles and four FA Cup wins amongst others, but is no longer first choice with Cahill captaining the side that has opened up a commanding 10 point gap at the top of the table.

Terry has not made a Premier League start since September, initially due to injury, and his only starts have come in the cup competitions.

However, Cahill is adamant that Terry's stature is such that he would never feel he could replace him.

"I would never try to fill John Terry's boots. You can never fill that position," said Cahill, who has received unstinting praise for his captaincy as Chelsea close in  on a domestic double.

"When I took over as captain this season, either through him not being picked or not being available, it was a privilege to do that.

"Firstly, I have learned from how he manages himself, how he plays and how he does things. But secondly, I never thought for one minute, or will ever think, that I'm replacing him.

"He is right at the top and whoever comes in after him is never going to achieve what he's done at the club.

"Nothing has changed in my game since I had that armband, apart from the fact I'm now 31 and I have learned a lot from someone like him. I will continue to learn from him while he is at the club."

How long Terry remains at the club will according to Chelsea manager Antonio Conte be decided at the end of the season -- the former England international's 19th in the senior squad -- when his contract is up.