Terry pays no attention to boos and helps Blues to progress

Goals from Frank Lampard and Terry gave Chelsea a place in the last four at Wembley where they will meet Aston Villa.

Terry was booed and abused all afternoon by Stoke fans in the wake of the defender's alleged affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the former girlfriend of his

one-time Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge.

The centre-back, stripped of the England captaincy by coach Fabio Capello because of the lurid headlines concerning his private life, celebrated his second-half goal by running to the corner flag and pointing at his captain's armband.

Terry's action was in clear response to the criticism he had received from Stoke's supporters.

When asked about the abuse, Wilkins replied: "It's happening and John's just getting on with the situation.

"I'm not too happy about it, but there's nothing I can do. He's dealing with the situation in the only way he can – committing himself to the cause. That was another superb performance from him."

When quizzed about Terry's celebration involving the use of the armband, Wilkins added: "He was taking a bit too much stick from the Stoke fans and wanted to demonstrate that.

"He's an exceptional captain and we're delighted to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion and scored a great second goal."

Terry paid tribute to the club for their support during a difficult period.

"The armband means a lot, of course," said Terry. "Chelsea have been very supportive, the players as well, but we wanted to show the fans how much it meant to us."

England midfielder Joe Cole was again left out of the starting line-up by Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti but Wilkins insists the player will get his chance.

"We have a superb squad of players and Carlo has a very difficult task in picking a side," he added. "Everyone merits a place in our team, but that was the side today.

"Joe's had a very traumatic time with his knee, and you get highs and lows. He'll play plenty of games for Chelsea, don't you worry. I've no idea whether he'll sign his contract, but that will be done towards the latter stages of the season."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis defended his supporters over their treatment of Terry and claimed that the Chelsea captain will come home a hero if England win the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

"Our fans are brilliant, different class," said Pulis. "John will have to accept he'll take stick. He took stick from England supporters the other night. If John does well in the World Cup and wins it, he'll come back a hero.

"We've knocked Arsenal and Man City out. To pull Chelsea out of the hat away was a difficult tie. The players gave everything and had a right go."

FA Cup semi-finals

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Fulham or Tottenham v Portsmouth.

Ties to be played over weekend of April 10-11 at Wembley