Benitez praises Ba but remains silent on Lampard’s future at Chelsea

Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez has hailed the performance of debutant Damba Ba, whose two goals set the Blues on their way to a 5-1 win over Southampton in the FA Cup third round.

Ba’s future was the subject of much speculation over the summer transfer period while at former club Newcastle, but Chelsea were quick to act as soon as the January window opened to secure the services of the prolific goal scorer, and Benitez is evidently happy with the signing.

“Demba Ba has been great today, his movement was good and he scored two goals. It’s important for us to have another option [upfront],” said the Blues boss.

Benitez also praised Frank Lampard’s input in the team – his penalty goal against Southampton put his goal tally up to 193, joint second in the club’s all time goal-scorer list - but continued to keep quiet about his future at the club, after admitting earlier in the season that it was unlikely the midfielder would receive a contract extension.

“I’m really pleased with his contribution and really pleased because he achieved his record and hopefully he can score more goals until the end of the season.

“He’s a good professional, it’s a team with a lot of good players who work very hard and Frank is one of them.”