Chelsea captain John Terry can continue at top level next season, insists Asmir Begovic

Asmir Begovic insists Chelsea captain John Terry is as fit as ever and can play at the highest level beyond this season.

Terry, who has been at Stamford Bridge for over 22 years, is expected to leave Chelsea at the end of the season when his contract runs out.

The 36-year-old hasn't started a League game since suffering an ankle injury against Swansea in September and has only been picked by coach Antonio Conte in the Cup competitions.

But Terry impressed as Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0 in the FA Cup Fifth Round on Saturday, a result which kept the club on course for the Double.

Begovic feels the centre half is good enough to carry on next term and said: "I can see him continuing to play and while he is playing like this, I don't see why he should quit.

"He trains every day, he's as fit as a fiddle and you don't get the sense that he is coming to an end.

"What he has in his mind and what he is planning to do is something only he can answer.

"But if he collects two trophies (the League and FA Cup this season), maybe that's a great way to go out. Who knows?"

Terry was given a 12 month extension to prolong his Chelsea career at the very end of the last campaign, but is already planning for life after his playing career finishes.

The former England captain is taking his coaching badges and has admitted in the past that it is his dream to be manager at Stamford Bridge one day.

Terry has also revealed that he is planning to play on for a couple more years, but he is not interested in joining another Premier League club.

It is understood that he is wanted by a number of Chinese Super League sides, who are prepared to pay him a minimum of £12m-a-season in wages.

But Begovic appeared to suggest Terry is still good enough to carry on at Chelsea. When asked if Terry has still 'got it' at 36, he added: "Yes, absolutely. He's obviously a great defender, one of the best ever in the history of the Premier League.

"He's got talent, he's got ability, is always good to play and is reliable. He is there for us to use.

"We have great competition for places, especially in that defensive area. But whenever he's called upon, we are very confident."

Conte made seven changes for the FA Cup tie at Wolves from the side that drew at Burnley in the League.

In the previous two rounds, he made nine changes from what is perceived to be his first choice XI.

The competition has become key for the likes of Terry, Begovic, Nathaniel Chalobah, Nathan Ake, Kurt Zouma and Cesc Fabregas to impress from the start.

As Begovic explained: "It's important for the players who don't play regularly to show your quality and what you can bring to the team when called upon. We try and do that.

"The team and the club are doing really well so it's very difficult to change the team on a weekly basis.

"But some of us were given an opportunity at Wolves and it was nice to show what we can do."