Michael Mancienne wants to battle for a first-team spot at Chelsea – but would be happy to return to Wolves for a second season on loan if it helps with his development as a player.

Mancienne is at Molineux until the end of the current campaign and, although primarily a central defender, he has started to create a favourable impression in a holding midfield role.

He had one of his best games for Mick McCarthy’s side when operating just in front of the back four and keeping Steven Gerrard quiet during the goalless home draw with Liverpool at Molineux on Tuesday night.

In an ideal world Mancienne would like to compete for a place in the side at Stamford Bridge when he returns to the Blues.

But he is aware the spell at Wolves has helped him mature as a player and would have no complaints if it continued for a further loan period.

Asked if there was a chance of a permanent move to Wolves, Mancienne said: “I don’t think so. I am definitely going back to Chelsea. I want to try and fight for my place.

“I think I have a good chance of getting (in the team). I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing, and keep playing well, and then I think I’ll give myself a bigger opportunity of playing in that team.”

Mancienne conceded another season on loan at Wolves was a possibility.

“Definitely,” he said. “If that is what I’ve got to do, I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to play football.”