Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will make Andriy Shevchenko part of his immediate plans after the striker's two-goals in the 4-0 defeat of Wycombe.
And Mourinho, who ignored Shevchenko after Saturday's loss at Liverpool, hinted at a truce with the player.
He said: "I was happy with Andriy's performance - he gave me more than I demanded. He will now play in Sunday's FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.
"His attitude was good. He is learning and he showed he gets the message."
As well as scoring twice, Shevchenko set up another goal as the Blues eased into the Carling Cup final with a 5-1 aggregate win.
Shevchenko has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge and has not been first choice but Mourinho said he has always backed his misfiring striker - despite rumours of a bust-up.
Mourinho added: "He needed time to adapt and if he can repeat what he did in terms of his movement, his contribution for the team, his effort to create spaces, his work when we didn't have the ball and pressing opponents, he is arriving at where we want him to arrive.
""I don't think it is the moment yet for fireworks, but it is a step forward and I am very happy"
"Players have to work and perform, if they work and perform I love them, if they don't work and perform, I don't.
"I am very happy that Sheva got the message and I am very happy with what he did. If somebody thought I was not playing him because I have a personal situation with him - it is a very silly thought.
"It is a thought from somebody that doesn't understand the game. I want to win so I have to play the players I think are best for the team.
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"So, at this moment, Sheva has won the right to be in the line-up for Sunday. That's what he won today.
"I think it is a process. You cannot open a player's head and put your philosophy inside. It is not easy. He came here after seven years with another club, he has a different manager and colleagues.
"Their philosophy and mentality is the same as mine because they have been with me for three years. It is not easy to come and do it directly. It takes time. We had to wait and give him a chance."
Mourinho admits the Ukrainian has been frustrated by his poor form since arriving from AC Milan.
He added: "The process is a frustration for everybody, especially for him and for me.
"For him because he wants to perform and to give everything to the team and for me because I wait for more. In some matches it was a bit frustrating.
"But the personal relationship was always there and I think that is very important. One thing is professional issues and another thing is personal issues. The human relationship was always present. That is why I always kept faith that he could do it.
"I don't think it is the moment yet for fireworks, but it is a step forward and I am very happy."
Wycombe boss Paul Lambert felt his side gave a good account of themselves despite the 4-0 reverse and 5-1 aggregate defeat.
He said: "They are a top side. We had a couple of chances but the goal never materialised. My lads gave me everything. It is no disgrace.
"The criticism Chelsea have been getting is a bit unfair because they are still in every competition.
"We gave the first goal away which was disappointing. You can't give the ball to a player who cost £30m. Shevchenko is a fantastic player."