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Benitez: Lampard will break Chelsea record

Frank Lampard has scored 200 goals for Chelsea © PA Photos

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• Profile: Frank Lampard

Rafael Benitez has backed Frank Lampard to score the three goals that would break Bobby Tambling's Chelsea record, despite only using the midfielder sparingly of late.

Lampard is currently on 200 goals but has not scored for the club since the 2-0 win over West Ham in March. The England international, however, has only started three of Chelsea's six games in that period, and was used as an 88th-minute sub in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

With Chelsea still facing at least another eight games this season, though - before a summer which may well see Lampard leave the club - Benitez expects the player to come through, despite insisting his rotation will remain in place.

"I have to consider all the squad, always," Benitez said. "Obviously, some players you have to keep an eye on them, if you can do something. But the main thing is the team. I would like to see Frank breaking the record, for sure.

"If I pick him, it's because he's a good player. I'm sure he will score goals. If he can score more than two, he'll break the record. He'll be happy and we will be too. I think he will do it."

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Martin Jol has quashed rumours of a move to Craven Cottage for Lampard, insisting he is focused on developing youth at the club.

"He is the most productive midfield player in England in the last 30 or 40 years," Jol said. "Everyone would love to have him. He's fit and is a good character.

"He will have a smile on his face if he listens to Fulham but I would love to have him. But it's hypothetical as he will never play for Fulham. I'm not sure he will play for a top-10 team.

"He's a legend - a living legend over there. He won all the prizes over there. In the end I have a feeling they will keep him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.