Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has attributed his rich vein of form to playing twice a week amid ongoing uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge.
While speculation over a possible new contract rumbles on, the 34-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run in front of goal, including netting in each of his last four games. He struck his 27th goal in 94 England appearances last week with the winner against Brazil and also scored against Wigan on Saturday.
"It's not rocket science: the more you play you get sharper and you get match fit," Lampard told Chelsea TV. "Since I've been able to play regularly I feel like I've got sharpness and the confidence. I'm 34, you still need confidence of playing regular games. It certainly helps me, to get flow in your game; you ask any player that, I'm not on my own there."
He added: "When you're playing regularly and you do start playing well, scoring goals, whatever position you're in, it's enjoyable to keep playing and it helps.
"You have to have an eye on the squad - it is a long season - so I'm not expecting, or asking, to play every single game.
"(But) it seems to me recently I've been able to play every three or four days, I've enjoyed it."
Blues interim boss Rafael Benitez has options returning to his squad following injuries and suspensions, plus the African Nations Cup which Chelsea duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel won with Nigeria, but Lampard will surely continue to be a key player.
Chelsea are entering a busy period, with the Europa League last-32 matches against Sparta Prague either side of a FA Cup fourth-round replay with Brentford and before a Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City.
Lampard said: "We're fit enough (to play twice a week). We manage ourselves in training.
"We need to enjoy it. At the minute the season hasn't been successful. We should be challenging for titles rather than third or fourth, but we're not. And we've not won some cups, we've been knocked out. We have to grab the fact that there's a lot of games to play and we have to try to win something."
Source: PA
