Chelsea expect Ballack to stay

Chelsea are convinced Michael Ballack will be part of their squad next season even though his deal ends in the summer.

Ballack underlined his importance to Chelsea with two goals against Ipswich to help the Blues secure a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

But while the club are expected to offer the 32-year-old a one-year extension incorporating a lower salary and bigger bonuses, it is understood that Ballack would like a two-year deal.

But Chelsea's assistant coach Ray Wilkins insists the player will still be with the club next season and revealed that a knock sustained in training almost prevented the Germany captain from playing against Town.

"I would have thought Michael would be in our plans for next season," said Wilkins.

"He's a top quality player and that's what the club have been bringing in.

"It was very doubtful whether Michael would make today. He took a nasty kick training, he was scanned on Friday and was very doubtful.

"But the professional in him meant he turned up still feeling extremely sore, but he really wanted to play.

"He was very good in the game. Michael covers probably more ground than anybody else in our side.

"When he goes forward he is extremely dangerous and the work he puts in for the team is untouchable."

Ballack had already missed a gilt-edged chance before putting the Blues in front in the 16th minute. Town's Alex Bruce then stunned Chelsea with a shock equaliser before the break.

However, Ballack scored a stunning free-kick to put Chelsea back in front in the 59th minute only for his effort to be eclipsed by a 35-yard set-piece special from Frank Lampard five minutes from time.

"They do practice free-kicks and they do so a lot," admitted Wilkins.

"Because of the hours they put in, you see the end result. The two free-kicks scored by Michael and Frank were just exquisite.

"Frank was magnificent and is a top quality footballer. When it was 3-1 he made a 75-yard sprint to make a tackle just over the half way line.

"It just shows the professionalism of the guy and he works extremely hard at that level of fitness."

One blip for Chelsea was a recurrence of Ricardo Carvalho's hamstring injury. It forced him out of the action in the second half but Wilkins does not believe it is serious.

"We took him off as soon as he felt his hamstring," said Wilkins.

"I don't think it is as serious as it has been. We will have a look at it tomorrow but I think it is just a bit of stiffness."

Chelsea, bundled out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola Championship side Burnley on penalties and forced to a replay by League One Southend, also found Ipswich a difficult team to overcome.

"It was a really tough game for us but I felt that on the chances we created, we deserved to win it," Wilkins added.

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton admitted his side had been beaten by two examples of world-class skill from Ballack and Lampard.

"This result won't define our season," said Magilton.

"We had some really good opportunities and played better in the first half.

"We scored a good goal from a set-piece and I am very pleased with the players overall.

"Chelsea have got world class players and when you give them opportunities on the edge of the penalty box, they will hurt you and that is what they did.

"They are a very good side but our pride is still intact, we'll take something from the game and move on."