Burnley 1 Chelsea 2

JOHN TERRY is ‘‘a fantastic leader’’, according to a former England captain as a debate rages about his future role with the national side.

The Blues central defender returned to work at Turf Moor on Saturday and headed a late winner in the 2-1 win against Burnley after allegations of an affair with an ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge were made public.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is no question Terry will not continue to wear the armband and claims the player has the backing of the whole club.

Former Newcastle striker, turned BBC pundit, Alan Shearer knows what is like to have that honour.

He said: ‘‘We do not know all the facts, so it would be wrong to suggest anything.

“What I do know is that John Terry is a fantastic leader and a very good footballer.

‘‘I do not know him him as a person – I have just played against him.

“Only John Terry and Fabio Capello will be able to tell in the coming weeks if it (the allegations) affect the captaincy.’’ Terry had the last word against Burnley when he got on the end of a corner from Frank Lampard to keep his side at the top of the table.

Shearer was impressed with the way Terry went about his business.

The former England skipper said: ‘‘Performance wise, he was spot on.

‘‘Everything that was asked of him, he did in a professional manner.

“He also scored a very good goal.’’ It was a cruel blow for Burnley and in particular new manager Brian Laws, in his very first home match.

Steven Fletcher had scored a superb equaliser when he turned Alex in the area after Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring following an incisive move.

Terry then delivered the final blow with a fine header.