Redknapp salutes Lampard

Midfielder's uncle hails character after difficult week

By James Dall   Last updated: 1st May 2008

Frank Lampard Emotional Liverpool semi second leg

Lampard: Redknapp admiration

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has hailed Frank Lampard's character after the Chelsea midfielder dispatched a crucial spot-kick against Liverpool.

With the Blues' UEFA Champions League semi-final tie balanced on a knife edge at 1-1, Lampard stepped up to fire home an extra-time penalty, after Sami Hyypia had felled Michael Ballack, to send Chelsea on their way to the forthcoming final in Moscow.

Lampard was making his first appearance since the death of his mother last week, and his uncle, Redknapp, who managed the midfielder during his time in charge of West Ham, has saluted his qualities.

"I think it shows you what the boy is made of. He is a fantastic character and a great role model for any young kid. He showed great courage to step up and take the penalty," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"We are all very proud of him. He was so focused and knew he was going to score.

"It was a great penalty under unbelievable pressure - that separates great players from the average players."