Cole ready to fight for Chelsea place

LONDON, Sep 8 (Reuters) England left back Ashley Cole said he faces a fight to earn a place in Chelsea's starting line-up after his move across London from Arsenal.

The Premier League champions paid 5 million pounds (9.37 million dollar) for Cole in a deal that also took William Gallas in the opposite direction.

After one of the most protracted transfer sagas in Premier League history Cole could make his debut against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, although he is taking nothing for granted.

''I must fight for my place here. It is definitely not my position. I have got a hard fight on my hands with Wayne Bridge,'' the 25-year-old Cole told Chelsea TV.

England team mate Bridge has been impressive in the left back slot for Chelsea so far this season.

''A lot of people have told me how good he is playing but I am here for a battle. I don't just come here and expect to play. I had it at Arsenal -- I had to fight for my place there -- and coming here, there is definitely going to be a fight.'' Cole, who won two League titles with Arsenal, now hopes to add a Champions League winners' medal to his collection.

''Hopefully coming here, I can win more medals and the Champions League,'' he said.

''I have won (the league) twice and to win the Champions League would be a great achievement. I have been to the final once and hopefully one day I can pick it up.

''Chelsea have won the league two years on the trot and I think to go to the Champions League final and to actually win it would be a great achievement for them and me as well.'' REUTERS PM SSC1555