John Terry insists the experienced Chelsea squad has what it takes to go to the end of the season and beyond.
The Blues have turned the corner after a miserable winter and will hope an emphatic 4-0 victory at Bolton on Monday night puts to bed a poor run of form.
Sceptics have suggested that Carlo Ancelotti's squad is too old to mount a serious title challenge in the Premier League this season but Terry believes they still have gas left in the tank.
Asked if the group had a future beyond the current campaign, he said: "I certainly hope so. We all realise we are a small squad and the club are looking at different options.
"I don't want to get into that but, what I will say, if the group has to stay together for the rest of the season we will definitely be right up there.
"We were reading that people don't fear us any more. The message in the dressing room is 'don't fear us at your peril'.
"People were saying things that we showed great experience with the players we have in the squad. Three months later we are all too old.
"We have players who are 30, 31, 32. We have young blood coming through as well. We have a great mix of players.
"One thing you cannot take away from the squad is that winning mentality. That rubs off on everyone coming into the group. You have to win in training, you have to win in games."
Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Everton in the FA Cup on Saturday as the hunt for three trophies continues.
Terry also refuted the claim that his side are not strong enough, saying that they can compete with the physical teams in the league.
"Southern softies? People may have that impression but we're not. You can see against Bolton that we can mix it with them," he added.
"We have some tough games coming up. It is going to be a big test, we realise that, but we're certainly up for the fight and we won't give up."