[theo kawala]

Frank Lampard is determined to emerge stronger than ever from a difficult spell as Chelsea seek to return to winning ways with victory over newcomers Reading.

Lampard has been on the receiving end of some acute criticism following a poor World Cup in Germany but the England midfielder accepts that he cannot expect to go through his entire career without any problems.

At club level, Lampard's effectiveness in midfield has been questioned following the arrival of Michael Ballack from Bayern Munich, but the former West Ham player has still managed to score four goals so far this term.

The desire to prove he can return to his very best at both club and international level continues to drive Lampard on as Chelsea chase a third successive Barclays Premiership crown.

Lampard said: "I feel very determined and really hungry. I'm determined to be as good as I can be on a personal level, but also to be part of a team that's successful - both for Chelsea and England.

"I've come out of the World Cup experience very determined. You can't let your head go down. It's all about putting things right.

"I've been very fortunate. A lot of things have gone right for me, both at club and international level, and I understand that it's down to bits of good fortune here and there... but I've also worked hard for it.

"I'd be a fool to think I could go through my whole career without any blips. Sometimes things just don't go for you, simple as that, and you just have to come through stronger - that's what makes you a man.

"It's what made David Beckham the player he was after coming back from the 1998 World Cup having been sent off."

Lampard's lack of goals in the World Cup was cited as contributing heavily to England's ultimate failure and he admits the stick he got did play on his mind at times.

The 28-year-old added: "You can't have the attitude where you think everyone's against you. It's part of being a player.

"At times it plays on your mind though. As footballers, we don't walk home with our eyes shut - we all understand the situation and there are days when you may be inclined to think more negatively about it.

"But the only way to react is to be positive about it, you have to tell yourself that it's part of being a footballer.

"I could hide away. I could have hidden away in the World Cup and not at least try to get forward and score goals. But I didn't do that and that's the attitude I'll continue to have. It's all about coming out of it stronger."

Chelsea, who dropped two home points against Aston Villa last time out, are hoping that left-back Ashley Cole will be passed fit to face Reading after he picked up a knock in the final 20 minutes of England's defeat by Croatia in Zagreb.

Cole had to stay on the pitch as head coach Steve McClaren had used all his substitutes by the time the Chelsea defender sustained his injury.

Wayne Bridge, Cole's understudy at both club and international level, stands by to replace him while Ballack sits out the last game of his three-match ban.

[goldenHuddlestone]

He's looked distinctly average this season. I think it's a wold cup hang over just like Ronaldinho.

[theo kawala]

yer just like that his form has gone into a slump

[waynelyp90]

lampard and ballack both do average in Chelsea this season. Same thing with Sheva. Drogba shines the most.

[theo kawala]

Drogba has been chelseas best player lampard really needs to improve or he will be droped form both country and club

[waynelyp90]

yeah, agree that he might be dropped. McLaren had twice wanting Scholes to come into the national team. I think it is to replace Lamps.

[theo kawala]

Scholes would be the ideal replacement for lamps even a better or maybe even Kevin Nolan could get a chance