The Blues are readying themselves for another frantic round of outings starting at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The trip to the midlands is the pre-cursor to a gruelling programme of four games in nine days, beginning with the UEFA Cup trip to Braga.

That is sure to put strain on Harry Redknapp's squad, with a number of players already battling to be ready for Saturday's clash at Villa Park.

Coach Joe Jordan believes men who have not featured of late will be needed to carry the team through an unrelenting spell.

Kanu, Arnold Mvuemba, Noe Pamarot, John Utaka and Glen Little have all featured fleetingly this season.

Jordan believes they have to remain focused and be prepared to stake their claim when it comes.

He said: 'We have a demand coming up because we have a busy phase of games.

'We need players fit and we need to keep them fit.

'We need the players who are important to us because we have a lot of matches in a short period.

'There are those who are out of it because others are playing well.

'They are out of things because there are other players in the team.

'You can't play them all. But that's what competition is for.

'Some clubs trying to break into the top four don't have that player to come in when one of their big players gets injured or suspended.

'We have big players at this club. That's why we have brought them here.

'You have got to have players in different positions to make a demand on that position.

'You have got to have a squad to do that.'

The rejuvenated fortunes of Richard Hughes and Sean Davis serve to highlight how players can come back into the fray and hold down a place in the side.

Hughes had not featured since March before being recalled to face Chelsea last month in the Carling Cup. The 29-year-old has now started the last four games for the Blues.

It's been a similar tale for Davis, who looked to be on his way out of the club after failing to make the 16-man FA Cup final squad in May.

Despite his future looking bleak he has found himself back in favour, making seven starts this season.

Jordan feels it is crucial that players know they will keep their shirt when they are recalled and perform.

He said: 'We have to have a squad where each player feels they have an opportunity if they can produce the goods.

'If someone has an injury or suspension he has to feel he can come in, stake his claim and hold the position.

'That's the way it is.

'What you have to have are players on the sidelines who are ready.

'The period we have been through is a fine example of that.'