Lampard fears fired-up Rooney

Chelsea star Frank Lampard fears Wayne Rooney's FA charge will fire up the Manchester United striker in the UEFA Champions League clash.

Rooney will make his first appearance since being charged by The FA for using offensive, insulting and/or abusive language in the weekend win over West Ham against Chelsea and Lampard admits it could backfire on The Blues.

"But there's a chance that the ban might spur him on even more. When you get negative headlines like he's had it can make you more of a threat"

Lampard is wary of the threat posed by his England team-mate Rooney and he fears the striker could look to take out his frustrations at Stamford Bridge.

"Wayne is always a very competitive player and there is never a good time to be playing against him," admitted Lampard.

"But there's a chance that the ban might spur him on even more. When you get negative headlines like he's had it can make you more of a threat.

"It's not for me to say if I was surprised by the charge. The FA have made their decision and I think United have accepted it.

"But Wayne is a fantastic player and he'll definitely be a threat against us."

Meanwhile, Lampard is in line to reach a personal milestone tonight when he makes his 500th Chelsea appearance on Wednesday night.

Lampard will become only the fourth man to achieve that feat after club legends Ron Harris, Peter Bonetti and John Hollins and the midfielder is honoured to be included in the club's folklore.

"It's very humbling - a group I didn't think I'd get into when I came here 10 years ago," Lampard said.

"They're the big names people that talk about from years gone by."

The 32-year-old is keen to add to his appearances for Chelsea and he feels he still has plenty of years left in him.

"I'm not thinking of the end," continued Lampard.

"Thirty-two now is not what it was 10 years ago.

"Hopefully I can perform well into my thirties. The Giggses, Maldinis, Scholeses have all gone on and played well into their later 30s.

"I would love to be able to do that."