Lampard desperate to keep Didier

Ben Rumsby

Frank Lampard admitted Didier Drogba was irreplaceable after the pair combined again to fire Chelsea to FA Cup glory.

Midfield star Lampard revealed he was “desperate” for the Blues’ goalscoring “machine” to sign a new contract, with Drogba currently looking destined to quit Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Lampard acknowledged it would be impossible for Chelsea to fill the void left by a man who yesterday became the first player to score in four FA Cup finals and who has netted in all eight cup ties he has played at Wembley.

“He’s unique,” Lampard said after setting up another goal for Drogba in the 2-1 win over Liverpool.

“There is no-one like Didier as a player, not with the kind of bulldozer kind of thing he has got and with the sublime touch and finish that he has got.

“Everyone has to move on at some stage and you have to find a different player or different way of playing but for what he has done at this club, he deserves everything.”

Drogba, 34, snubbed Chelsea’s offer of a one-year contract extension, while they in turn refused to bow to his demands for a two-year deal.