LAMPARD: 'WEST HAM RESTRICTED ME'

Lampard moved from West Ham to Chelsea for £11 million after the shock resignation of his uncle Harry Redknapp as manager at Upton Park, which subsequently led to his father also leaving.

The England midfielder insists that he got a raw deal in East London, because he was forced into a more defensive role.

"At West Ham last season I was restricted," said Lampard. "We had Paolo Di Canio going forward all the time and Joe Cole, who is virtually a forward. His strength is in attack and he is not so good at the defensive side.

"Now I feel more free, I am getting a lot more of the ball and I am thriving on that.

"I love scoring goals and it does get you noticed. It is also bound to help my England chances. I want to go to the World Cup.

"If I play as well as I can and try as hard as I can, I will be happy but obviously I really want to be there."

Lampard was handed a massive boost when Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri launched the big-money raid for him, and the Italian coach is keen to see his midfield gem get amongst the goals.

"I think we can make Frank into more of a goalscoring midfielder," said Ranieri. "He is very good at arriving in the box at the right time."