Ross Turnbull has been discussing the 'fantastic opportunity' he could not pass up on coming to Stamford Bridge, recognising the challenges ahead of him.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper arrived on a free transfer from relegated Middlesbrough, and has been settling in at training over the past three days.

In that time he has worked with Petr Cech, renowned as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his backup Hilario. He has found both perfectly accommodating.

'They have both been absolutely fantastic with me, it's great. They are both experienced goalkeepers and have helped me along,' he said. 'They both speak English and Christophe [Lollichon] the goalkeeper coach does, so it's getting used to it but as I say everybody has been great for me since I arrived.

'It's a fantastic move for me I think, one of the best clubs in the world so it wasn't a difficult decision to come here.

'I spoke with people when I came down. They knew a lot about my career and I was very impressed with how much they knew about me.

'It's a pleasure to be here and I'm looking forward to working as hard as I can, I can still improve as I am still a young goalkeeper and with all the players here and the staff here all I can do is improve.'

Turnbull has been quick to outline his intentions, and he is looking to push Cech, and Hilario, all the way for the number one jersey.

'Understandably it is going to be difficult, Petr Cech is one of the best in the world and it's not going to be easy, but it's up to me to work and take my chance when it may come along.

'Nothing is ever guaranteed, so I see it as a fight between all three of us and it's an exciting challenge,' he stated, before explaining the realities of a side playing around 60 games per season.

'Ideally you want to play first team football but I wasn't guaranteed that at Middlesbrough so I decided to leave.

'Last season Chelsea played around 60 games so it is a squad game and I am here to be part of the squad.

'I considered all the options but I just think being a young 24-year-old goalkeeper, the chances to come to a club such as Chelsea, you can't turn it down. The opportunities are here for me and will only stand me in good stead for the future.'

The prospect of Champions League football is always an exciting one, and Turnbull is eager to get going with twice winner of the competition Carlo Ancelotti.

'Great, fantastic, his English is quite good actually and I am looking forward to working with such a top class manager as he is,' said the 6'5 stopper. 'It will be an interesting season, we are all looking forward to it. He has been great, he loves to chat with the players and have a laugh with the lads, it is all good really and I am sure he will be a great asset to the club.'

Prior to signing, Turnbull, who played as a forward when younger (his heroes are Alan Shearer and Peter Schmeichel), had not enjoyed a happy time against the Blues, playing in our 5-0 win at the Riverside last season, before being beaten twice by Salomon Kalou in west London in January.

'I remember that day, 5-0, and it was unbelievable how good Chelsea were that day, the best performance I have ever seen from a team,' he conceded. 'I think it was 5-0 after 70 minutes and I think they stopped trying to score after that so I was grateful. A fantastic team, fantastic players and I am hoping for a successful season this year.'