Friday 18th May 2012 6:27

Gary Cahill is determined to complete his 'rags to riches' Champions League experience by helping Chelsea to final glory against Bayern Munich.

An appearance in Saturday's final looked a long way from reality when £7million January recruit Cahill made his debut in the competition in the 3-1 last-16 first-leg defeat to Napoli in February.&

And his last cup final was so long ago, he cannot even remember it.&

But the Blues defender will certainly have no problem recalling his first as a professional after he lines up in the biggest game in club football on Saturday.&

That Cahill is set to play in the Champions League final at all is thanks to the Blues' medical staff, who have worked around the clock to get the 26-year-old fit for this weekend's Bayern Munich showdown.&

Cahill was doubly determined to recover, with the hamstring injury that forced him off in the semi-final having already robbed him of a maiden FA Cup final appearance.&

He said: "I was sick when I got the injury because I knew that was going to be the case straight away, although I tried to get back. But there was never any chance of that.&

"That was a sickener for me because it would have been a big part in my career. So for me to make this one is a huge moment."&

It is exactly the sort of moment for which Cahill left Bolton during the January transfer window, having never managed to reach a major final.&

Indeed, he admitted he did not know when he was last within touching distance of silverware.&

"I couldn't tell you, probably in youth-team football," Cahill said.&

"It's my first final and it's in the biggest competition - sink or swim.&

"You come here to play in these competitions and be a part of this.&

"We've got a great chance now to lift the best trophy in club football.&

"I did win a few things as a kid, but nothing since.&

"I can't remember what I did last week, never mind 10 years ago."&

A Champions League final looked a million miles away when Cahill made his debut in the competition in February's 3-1 last-16 defeat at Napoli.&

But the turnaround since could not have been more dramatic.&

"It's been a mad season and a fantastic season for me," Cahill said.&

"Making a move here has obviously worked out really well.&

"First to win the FA Cup and now to go into this huge game in my first six months here is really crazy."&

It is about to get even crazier for Cahill, who is also heading to the European Championships with England.&

The defender, who shrugged off concerns playing on Saturday could risk a devastating recurrence of his injury, said: "I'm hoping to be selected for England this summer.&

"If that happens, it will have been a fantastic second half of the season."&

Cahill was confident he and David Luiz, who has also not played for several weeks due to a hamstring injury, would fill the void left by the suspended Branislav Ivanovic and captain John Terry on Saturday.&

Cahill, whose excellent international partnership with Terry had been translating brilliantly on to the club stage, nevertheless admitted the latter's "quality" and "leadership" would be missed.&

He added: "He's a big presence in our team and our dressing room.&

"He won't be playing but he'll be involved in the build-up and in the dressing room.&

"He'll be a big part of the day and we'll all see his influence."