Lampard raring to go

Frank Lampard will draw on past experience to see off the competition for his place in Chelsea's midfield.

The 34-year-old regained favour at Stamford Bridge last season when Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas as manager, but his position remains under threat. Chelsea are well stocked in midfield with Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel, Josh McEachran, Oriol Romeu, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Yossi Benayoun also present.

Lampard welcomes the competition, though, and insists he is ready to hit the ground running when the new term begins. He told the club's official website: "Every year it gets harder because every year we bring in players. But I remember being 25 and we brought in four or five midfielders one summer."

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