Once again Franco was instrumental in the “unpicking” of a determined and “tight” Birmingham side who worked tirelessly throughout. His opener, allowing Chelsea nerves to settle and inspiring the team to the 3-1 victory.
Terry said of the little Franco: "Not for the first time Gianfranco changed the game on Saturday with a goal that came out of nowhere because Birmingham had a lot of possession and a lot of chances before that.
"But we have got the quality to go down the other end and score with one chance - and when you've got someone in the side who can do that, then you can get out of any situation.
"'Franco is fantastic still for us. He is like an 18-year-old when he is running about and he's a great example to myself and the other young players at the club.
"He's looked after himself and I try and copy everything that he does on and off the pitch. His enthusiasm rubs off on everybody.
"Some of the young lads like myself, Frank Lampard, Jody Morris and Eidur Gudjohnsen go out for a kick-about every morning before training and he's always there with us.
"You'd think he'd try and save himself with his age and everything but it is a testament of how much he still loves the game.
"I would love him to stay and I'm sure all the other players feel that way as well. He's still contributing so much."
Further goals from Gudjohnsen and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink enabled Chelsea to halt a run of three successive away league defeats.
Terry said: "I think the main aim now has got to be a Champions League place. We've dropped off Manchester United and Arsenal a little bit now.
"Results like this away from home are a good stepping stone. We've said 'let's just creep up the table quietly this season' and things overall are going well.
"But this side can still get better. We've showed when playing the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal that we can compete with teams like that.
"We're up there with the best of them. We just need to be a little bit more consistent and results like at St. Andrews are vital."