CHELSEA'S Dutch player manager Ruud Gullit has given his stamp of approval to English football, insisting: "It is improving fast."

Gullit, who has done as much as anyone to change the face of the Premiership by importing foreign stars and Continental tactical thinking, said: "It is becoming better with more, steams challenging for the title. It's very open.

Perhaps it's because there are more foreigners now, maybe because of the way England splayed in Euro 96.

"But whatever the reason there's a great deal more attention on the Premier league from abroad now. The standard is certainly better. Clubs area spending money to try to get results, and that's got to be good".

Gullit looks to have made one of the best investments with the £4.5 million spent on Gianfranco Zola, who faces Sheffield Wednesday at Stamford Bridge today with four goals to his name from his last four games.

After being beaten twice by the little Italian magician on Thursday, Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bosnich declared: "He's so sharp, an object lesson to English players with his movement and skill."

Gullit adds: "It wasn't easy for Franco at the start, because he was living in a hotel rather than his own home, and couldn't get his own rhythm.

"Now he is at home, feels appreciated and that the team appreciates him, and that's what he needs."

Gullit has Frenchman Frank Leboeuf and Dennis Wise available again and Gianluca Vialli is close to fitness after his hamstring problem. But Gullit is likely to keep changes to a minimum after two consecutive wins.

"I'm happy to have Dennis, Frank and maybe Luca back, again, and it's good that they want to be in the team, but we'll have to see."