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Frank Lampard still fearless in Chelsea penalty shoot-outs
FRANK LAMPARD has admitted that Chelsea have not been practising penalties as they prepare to face Benfica in the Europa League final tonight.
Chelsea's record scorer is set to be named as captain by manager Rafa Benitez, as his team aim to take this final chance of silverware.
They secured last season’s Champions League thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over Bayern Munich but lost on spot-kicks against Manchester United in the 2008 final.
Lampard – who last Saturday notched his 203rd strike for the Blues, making him their highest-ever scorer – is actually in Benitez’s side mainly thanks to Belgian starlet Eden Hazard’s thigh injury.
But the regular penalty-taker, 34, said: “We haven’t yet practised any spot-kicks.
“We did practise them recently. Some people are better practising and some are better not. The usual takers practise regularly, to keep them at a level.
“Last year at the Champions League final we did practise them. But I have practised them with England many a time in tournaments and we ended up losing on them. There is no perfect recipe. It is down to the individual.”
Regular skipper John Terry is set to miss out again – having been banned for last season’s Champions League victory – with an ankle injury.
But he is in Holland and will be ready to lift the cup if favourites Chelsea win.
Lampard added: “As with anyone who is banned or injured, you win together as a squad.
“And, as the captain, John will be right up there.”
Lampard also insisted he is ready if England manager Roy Hodgson, who will watch tonight’s match, needs him for this month’s friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
The midfielder, who has 95 caps, said: “I will be there, fitness permitting.”
Victor Moses suffered a side problem last night so Gary Cahill comes into the Blues’ defence and David Luiz will now play in midfield.