Chelsea´s Cole hails brave Lampard

Joe Cole on Thursday hailed teammate Frank Lampard after the England midfielder's penalty helped Chelsea to reach their first ever Champions League final.

Lampard, still grieving over the death of his mother Pat last Thursday, slotted home an extra-time spot-kick to put Chelsea 2-1 up against Liverpool and on the way to a Moscow showdown on May 21 against Manchester United.

Cole said: “To even be able to play, put in the performance he did, step-up and take the penalty and score – I just can't put it into words what I think about Frank.

“I have known Frank for a long time and I know what kind of a fella he is.

“I don't think he gets the plaudits he should do. He is a great player and a great man and to do what he did at a time when other things are going on his life, I just take my hat off to him.”

But Cole had a warning for his team-mates as they look forward to the first all-English Champions League final in Russia in three weeks.

“We haven't won anything yet,” Cole said. “We are all happy and it is an historic moment but we have not won anything yet and silverware is what counts.

“We are very pleased and it is a great achievement for the club and every player in our squad. Now we need to go and win it.”