I'm getting better and better, says Chelsea's Essien

LONDON, Oct 20 (Reuters) Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien said he had learned valuable lessons from his debut Premier League campaign and was putting them to good effect with more consistent performances this season.

The Ghana international enjoyed a solid first season in England after leaving Olympique Lyon in August 2005 but was also involved in controversy over his aggressive tackling.

Essien was suspended for two matches by UEFA for an over-the-top challenge on Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann in the Champions League and also heavily criticised for a foul on Tal Ben Haim in a Premier League clash with Bolton Wanderers.

''These things happen in football and you have to take it and forget about the bad things and keep going,'' Essien told reporters on the eve of Chelsea's home game with Portsmouth.

''Now I am a little bit careful but my game is hard and I play hard and fair.'' Essien, one of only three Chelsea ever-presents this season along with Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko, is hoping to make his 50th start for the champions tomorrow.

The Ghanaian has been outstanding this season and was particularly effective in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.

''I think I'm getting better and better,'' said Essien. ''The more you keep playing the more you keep improving and I'm really happy with my performance.

''I can read the game much better than before. When opposing players are coming to me they are coming strongly so I just have to be strong and control my temper.

''So far, so good, no problems. I'm happy with that.'' REUTERS PDS BST2123