Rewarded with some first-team outings during 1999-2000, during which he even got on the score sheet. Went out on loan to Nottingham Forest for six weeks at the end of that season, playing six games.

Within a year, Claudio Ranieri had enough confidence in the player to put him in the team when Frank Leboeuf was injured.

When the World Cup winner returned to fitness, he didn't return to the team. Terry had done what so few English youngsters had managed at the Bridge and established himself in the team alongside the global stars...

Highly-regarded by the backroom staff at Chelsea, his main attributes are alertness and being a good reader of the game.

Grew in stature to become the captain of the England Under-21 side during the 2001/02 season.

Looked destined to captain the side at the European Under-21 Championships in Switzerland at the end of the season. There were even strong calls for him to make the full squad for the 2002 World Cup.

However, his international chances were ruined after an incident involving a bouncer at the Wellington Club in Knightsbridge. Terry along with team-mate Jody Morris and Wimbledon defender Des Byrne were charged with affray.

After the precedent set by the Bowyer-Woodgate affair, Terry was banned from playing for England at all levels until the case was settled. The player was cleared of all charges in August 2002.