Eden Hazard has warned Barcelona that it is his time to shine in the Champions League, as Antonio Conte considers giving the Belgian the responsibility of trying to fire Chelsea towards the quarter-finals.

Head coach Conte could start Hazard as a ‘false nine’ at Stamford Bridge for Tuesday night’s last-16 first-leg clash, ahead of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud, who are still short of full match fitness.

Conte had not confirmed his team on Monday night and was still considering his options, but Hazard is Chelsea’s form man and the player Barcelona fear most.

He has netted three times in six Champions League games this season and is the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 15 goals. He would further enhance his reputation throughout Europe by adding to that tally against Barca.

Hazard’s Premier League pedigree has never been in doubt, but the 27-year-old is keen to now truly announce himself against Europe’s best.

“Every game I try and play my best football,” said Hazard. “Last year we didn't play Champions League, but this year we are back and I played a few good games: Atletico Madrid away, Roma, here against Madrid. You want to shine when you play the best in the world. If I want to reach that level, I need to play a great game.”