England and Chelsea's Frank Lampard backed to continue performing at the highest level

Frank Lampard has been backed by Rafa Benitez to continue performing at the highest level for both club and country, despite the uncertainty over his Chelsea future.

The England midfielder has been in good form of late, scoring in the Blues' victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday as well as notching the winning goal for England against Brazil last week.

The 34-year-old's future at Stamford Bridge is still up in the air, with his current contract expiring at the end of the season and no new deal has been agreed yet.

But for Chelsea interim boss Rafa Benitez, there is no doubting Lampard's quality and the Spaniard believes he could continue playing for both the Londoners and Three Lions well into next year.

He said: "I think so. He is a good professional. If he has no injuries he can still play at a good level.

"When he has a holding midfielder it's easier for him to go forward."

Lampard's strike on Saturday was his ninth goal in the last 14 matches and he's now within four of Bobby Tambling's club record of 202.

And with Benitez moving David Luiz into a midfield role, that has allowed Lampard more chance to supplement Chelsea's attack. 

He added: "David Luiz can give you balance in the middle. He understands the role.

"He knows Lampard and Ramires are players who like to go forward, so to have a player like Luiz who can stay in the middle is important for him and also for the centre-backs because they are more protected."