Wanderers' revival will be tested to the limit on Saturday by a teenager Gianfranco Zola describes as "a special player".

Carlton Cole has been tipped by the Italian veteran to become a top star after storming recent form which threatens Wanderers' revival.

The 19-year-old hammered another nail in Sunderland's closing coffin with an 85th minute winner last week and Zola believes he could eclipse his big name team-mates in the run-in.

Sam Allardyce's men will be looking to build on their best ever run in the Premiership against an in-form Chelsea side going for European qualification.

And, as if Claudio Ranieri's side do not have enough established firepower in Zola, Eidur Gudjohnson and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Zola fired a warning to Wanderers that they will overlook Cole at their peril.

"His winning goal at Sunderland was special and it was scored by a special player," insisted Zola who is, himself, a strong contender for player of the year honours.

He even went as far as claiming Cole's form in the final six games of the season will have a pivotal bearing on whether Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.

His clinical left-foot strike at the Stadium of Light lifted Chelsea to four points clear of fifth placed Everton in the chase for Europe.

Zola added: "Carlton is playing very well.

"As long as he keeps his attitude and continues working hard, like he is doing, he can become a really important player."