Let me shine in the final pleads Lamps

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The midfielder is desperate to make up for lost time after six weeks out with a thigh injury and wants to start against Tottenham in Sunday's Carling Cup Final. He came on four minutes from time in Chelsea's goalless draw at Olympiacos last night in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie. John Terry, just back after recovering from a broken foot, was an unused substitute.

Avram Grant's decision to leave the pair out following their long-term injury problems was no great success as his team lacked a cutting edge, but the manager refused to guarantee they would return at Wembley.

Lampard said: "I felt fresh but the manager didn't want to take a chance on me and John and we were in the same boat.

"We understood the reasons for being substitutes. You have to be mature and professional but it doesn't mean we cannot be frustrated and want to play. The manager would expect that and it is just the way it is. It is a long season. I have been out for six weeks and played the other day. There are a lot of important games to come."

Lampard is one of the fittest players around but suffers when he does not play regularly and admitted he is not a fan of player rotation. He said: "You would have to ask the manager (left) if it is a fitness thing or rotation but it is very important we get a settled team in the run-in.

"Any good team I have been involved with has had a pretty settled line-up and it will be down to the manager to find that."

"Any top player wants to play but you have to understand you are in a strong squad."

"I feel very fresh and have a lot in my legs. I never normally have injuries and I don't want to miss any more games." As the English heart of the side, Lampard and Terry hope to be brought back against Spurs.

Lampard said: "Me and John are going to be fresh anyway and a cup final against Tottenham is always a game that you are going to be very excited about."