LONDON: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard wants to end his career at Stamford Bridge but is waiting for talks to open over his future as he entesr the final year of contract.

Lampard is also delighted to be back in the England set-up after missing the Euro 2012 through injury and will skipper the side in the friendly international with Italy in Berne toorrow (3am).

But at club level the 34-year-old is uncertain what lies ahead even though he feels he can play at the top level "for a few more years".

"We spoke once last season and it was a case of coming back - and it hasn't come back from their end. I don't know (what will happen)," he said.

"At the minute I'm just playing. I'd like to sit down and speak with them. But at the minute I'm playing and it's up to the club to do that.

"I would like to end my career there. I feel I can play at the top level for a good few more years, but it's whether the club feels the same.

"I know there are a lot of changes at Chelsea. I'd love to be involved, and the youth coming into the squad this year has really freshened up our team.

"I'd love to carry on but it's a club decision to come and sit down with me.They used to sit down with me three years before the end of my contract! Now I'm waiting."

He admitted: "People do look at you differently when you get the other side of 30. That's natural. I don't mind that at all.

"I want to keep myself as fit as possible, to live right, and keep my edge so I know I can keep competing at the top.

"That's what drives me on. If I don't feel I can do it, I wouldn't be happy playing football anyway."

Lampard expects to be under the microscope from new England head coach Roy Hodgson as he plays under him for the first time.

"I'd have thought he probably is (looking at me). I'm sure he knows what I can do but, when you're working under him, he wants to see you working in his pattern," he said.

."He wants to explain things, and you're never too old to be told to do a certain role or to change. I've enjoyed the few days I've had working with the manager.

"It's really impressive how he works on the team shape, for me. The organization.

"If I'm on trial, so be it. Every time you play for England you're pretty much on some sort of trial. Two or three bad games and things can change and swing in a big way.

"You have to take that mind set into the game to keep you at your best.I was pleased the manager said when I was injured, and after the Euros, that I was still in his plans.

"It's a relief when you want to play for your country and the manager acts upon that and puts you in the squad. I'm pleased to play.

"If I can play at a level and deserve to be in the squad, I want to be here. If that's not the case, I have confidence in the manager. He won't do me any favors. I won't deserve any favors."

Lampard, who has won 90 caps, would dearly love to end his international career with World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014. 

- mD