Frank Lampard has warned his midfield challengers he is not ready to relinquish his place in the Chelsea side just yet.
England midfielder feels well rested after missing Euro 2012
Frank Lampard has warned his midfield challengers he is not ready to relinquish his place in the Chelsea side just yet.
The 34-year-old's career at Stamford Bridge looked to be over last season under Andre Villas-Boas, who repeatedly overlooked him in favour of other players.
However, his successor Roberto Di Matteo reinstated the England international and once again made him the fulcrum of the side's midfield.
Chelsea, however, have an abundance of midfielders in Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, Josh McEachran, Oriol Romeu, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Yossi Benayoun.
Harder
Yet, the former West Ham youngster, who is refreshed after missing Euro 2012 through injury, is ready to pit his wits against his team-mates for a starting role next season.
"Every year it gets harder because every year we bring in players," he told the club's
official website.
"But I remember being 25 and we brought in four or five midfielders one summer. I wondered if I would be in the team and I played about 60 games.
"I have had a great career here and I wouldn't want the club to stand still.
"The club needs to move forward and bringing in quality midfield players is brilliant.
"Personally, I've had a long break this summer. Missing the Euros was disappointing but it gave me the chance to rest and come back with all guns blazing."
