By MARK IRWIN
JOHN TERRY is ready to put himself back on the spot — at the stadium where his whole world fell apart five years ago.
The Chelsea captain is willing to take part in a penalty shootout if called upon in tonight’s Europa League quarter-final against Rubin Kazan.
It was in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium that Terry was left in tears after his spot-kick miss against Manchester United in the 2008 Champions League final.
And though Chelsea will take a 3-1 lead into tonight’s return leg, boss Rafa Benitez is leaving nothing to chance.
He said: “We know it could go to penalties but we hope to avoid that.
“I know what happened in 2008 but I don’t want to talk too much about that because everyone will have bad memories about it.
“If penalties are necessary, John will take one. The main thing is to have players who want to take one.
“You can’t just say ‘You, you and you’. First, you have to be convinced they’ll score.
“Soemtimes at the end of training the players practise penalties but not especially for this game. If we do require penalties, we’re confident we have enough quality and experience.”
Benitez, though, fears Chelsea’s double dream could be wrecked by disgruntled stars who think the Europa League is beneath them.
And he warns even a 3-1 lead can disappear unless everyone is committed to tonight’s second leg.
Some players fear if they are on Europa League duty, they will not play in the big FA Cup and league matches.
Benitez said: “When I decide my team for Rubin I need to consider we have the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City coming up.
“Sometimes the players think ‘If I play in this one, I won’t play on Sunday’ but that’s not always the case. Some will have to play two games in four days — and be ready for both.”
