Manuel Pellegrini admitted that new signing Frank Lampard has already become a key part of his side – after the Manchester City player bagged a brace in last night’s Capital One Cup game.
The former England international was just one of five players to score past Sheffield Wednesday as the reigning-holders put seven past the Championship side.
Lampard has added to his tally for this season after scoring past his former club on Sunday.
However, the 36-year-old who moved to The Etihad in the summer is only due to stay at City until January, unless Pellegrini can extend his loan deal.
“Frank is a very important player and he proved that again [against Sheffield Wednesday],” said the Blues manager.
“I would rather have selection problems because I have too many good players than not enough so I hope he continues to play as well.
“We will see what happens in January,” he added.
“The decision is not final and we have two or three months to decide but I don’t think that is the most important thing right now.”
However, the 61-year-old all but ruled out Lampard taking part in City’s league fixture at the weekend against Hull City.
“He is 36 now and maybe he can’t play three games in a week anymore but he knows how to play football and he is a top player,” he said.
Pellegrini was also full of praise for another England star, James Milner, who put in his second strong performance of the week.
“I know what he is capable of so his current form doesn’t surprise me because he gives 100% every time he plays,” he added.
“He is a great professional and though he maybe hasn’t started as much as he would have liked in the past year and it was frustrating for him but now he is in the team and I am very happy for him.”
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