Mourinho pays tribute to match-winner Essien

VALENCIA, Spain, Apr 11 (Reuters) Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho paid tribute to midfielder Michael Essien for a match winning performance against Valencia that enabled his side to claim a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The 24-year-old, returning to the Chelsea starting line-up after four weeks out with a knee injury, started the game on a low note when he picked up a fourth-minute booking that meant he would miss the first leg of the semi-final.

But the Ghanian international put the setback behind him, grew in stature as the game wore on and then won the tie when he blasted the ball into the net in the final minute.

''Essien is a special player,'' said Mourinho. ''He can run forever. He can play a game every day, he's a superb athlete.

''When we lost him a month ago he was a big loss, but he was ready for this big game.

''He's suspended for the next game, but it's not crucial as there is still a second leg and hopefully he won't pick up an injury and he'll be able to play then.'' Mourinho added that his decision to bring on Joe Cole at halftime and drop Essien back to right back had helped give Chelsea more options in attack.

''We made a tactical change by putting Essien at right back which was a very attacking change and by bringing on Joe Cole who is creative.

''With him and Shevchenko coming in from wide we had more of a chance to create two against ones and that's what happened.'' Reuters DH VP0437