Joe Cole kick started his pre-season with two goals last night, and believes the season ahead promises good things.

Cole returned to the squad as a substitute after missing Wednesday night's 4-0 win against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, and quickly made his mark as we ran up a seven-goal margin of victory.

Speaking after the game, Cole was satisfied with his 37-minute performance, having come on as a second-half sub, and pleased with how the side are playing under Luiz Felipe Scolari.

'We played well tonight, it was a good game to play because you don't want to go straight into the Arsenals and Manchester Uniteds of the world,' he said.

'We were clinical and finished our chances, maybe making it look a bit easier than it was.

'They [Chengdu Blades] worked very hard, and maybe the 7-0 flattered us a little bit. They had some good technical players but lacked a bit physically. Maybe we're playing at a higher standard but I'm sure if they had two or three years in Europe they would come up to that level.'

It was Cole's first outing of the 2008/9 campaign after a couple of niggling injuries, and he is now desperate to reach peak fitness.

'I have had a couple of problems but these things are normal in pre-season,' he began. 'I am playing catch up because I missed the first two weeks, and just have to be patient now. It's a long season and I have given myself four or five weeks to get fit.

'We've got a good fitness coach and a good medical team. It's painful sometimes, especially in this heat, but I think all the lads enjoy [the hard work] really. You wouldn't be a footballer if you didn't enjoy that side of it.'

The conditions in the Far East have been difficult for the players to adapt to, but Cole wouldn't have it any other way, and believes the club owes its supporters in this part of the world.

'It's hot and humid but as pro players at a club like Chelsea it's our responsibility to come out to these places because these fans spend a lot of money in following us around the world and buying our shirts, giving us great support,' he said.

'We have the chance now to come out here, play football and give something back, spreading the word of Chelsea Football Club.'