Ramires: 'I'm ready for the Premier League'

Brazilian midfielder Ramires is set to make his debut for Chelsea against Stoke and insists he is ready for the physical challenge of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, who cost £17 million from Benfica, is likely to start on the Stamford Bridge bench with Chelsea having scored six goals in both of their first two league games this season.

But he cannot wait to begin his Premier League career and is under no illusions about the physical and mental toughness required in the world's most competitive league.

Ramires, talking through an interpreter at Chelsea's training ground, said: "I understand the challenge ahead, both in the Premier League and the Champions League and I'm ready for that. If I hadn't been ready, I wouldn't have signed for a club like this.

"I know what lies ahead and I'm looking forward to taking on that challenge."

Ramires has been handed the number seven shirt most recently worn by Andriy Shevchenko, the Russian who came to Stamford Bridge with a big reputation but turned into a £30million flop.

But the Brazilian, who was part of Brazil's squad in the World Cup, vowed to shed buckets of sweat in the Chelsea cause to ensure he would be a success. And he is realistic about getting a regular place in a side which includes midfielders such as Michael Essien and Frank Lampard.

"I hope I can give my best and do well," he said. "I'll have to work hard. When I signed my contract, I didn't have a clause in there saying I'd be starting every week.