Lamps has future - Di Matteo

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo says Frank Lampard still has a huge role to play despite being left out of the first-team.

Lampard has not figured in the last three games as Di Matteo has opted to play Ramires alongside John Obi Mikel and that has put a big question mark over the 34-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract and it looks as though he will not be offered a new one as he struggles to fight his way into the starting eleven. However despite his lack of action in the last few games, Di Matteo insists he has a pivotal role to play. "His future is very strong at this club. He's a very important player for us," Di Matteo revealed. "I've had conversations with him, yeah, which I do on a regular basis with the players. I like to exchange opinions. "He's very supportive of the team when he's not in the team. When he's in the team, he's a great performer as well. From that point of view, we're fortunate to have a very strong squad with international players, so that's going forward with a busy schedule, it's important we use these players."