Ballack: I can play alongside Lampard

CHELSEA goal hero Michael Ballack insists he can play alongside recovering midfielder Frank Lampard.

England midfielder Lampard, recovering from a thigh problem, could be back to face Portsmouth at the weekend, sparking fresh speculation Ballack will be the man to step down.

But the Germany international insists they can both play in the same side.

“Frank is a very good player and we need him,” said Ballack.

“We will have one more option when he is back and we hope that is soon. He has scored a lot of goals and it is not about him, or me or anyone else in midfield. It is always good to have good players in your team.

“I have no problems playing with anybody. It is better to have a good player by your side than a bad one. I think we can put all the doubts to bed. We have played a lot of games together and it is not a problem.”

Ballack scored a first-half headed winner against Reading on Wednesday to keep Chelsea just four points behind leaders Manchester United.

The victory stretched Chelsea’s unbeaten home league run to a remarkable 75 games and they also equalled a club record of nine straight wins in all competitions set by Jose Mourinho’s side in 2005.

But now Ballack says that Chelsea’s home form will be the key to the title with both Arsenal and Manchester United yet to visit “Fortress Bridge”.

“The top teams cannot afford to relax and there is no room for error,” said Ballack. “The title could be decided at Stamford Bridge and when these games come we hope to have one or two important players back. I think we have what it takes.

“The games we lost against United and Arsenal this season were very close and were away. In these big games you always have a little advantage if you play at home. We want to do that.

“Everybody believes in their stadium and we do to, especially with our record.”