Former Chelsea captain Dennis Wise has claimed that Olivier Giroud has been key to the club's recent strong run of form in the Premier League.

The Blues fell eight points off the top four in the Premier League when they lost at home to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of last month, but the gap from fourth-placed Tottenham to fifth-placed Chelsea is now just two points.

Antonio Conte's side will be looking to move into the top four when they welcome Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night, and Wise has claimed that January arrival Giroud - who scored the only goal of the match against Liverpool at the weekend - has been key to the team's recent strong form.

"It's been great to see Giroud starting games," Wise told Sky Sports News. "I think he's made a big impact over the last four games that he's played in and started and he makes a difference. It's gradually got us back into it - hopefully it's not too late."

Giroud has scored three times in his last four Premier League appearances for the Blues.