Lampard reveals his biggest-ever challenge

FRANK Lampard says Chelsea's Champions League semi final against Barcelona poses the biggest challenge of his illustrious career.

The Blues midfielder, third all-time highest goalscorer for Chelsea, says nothing he has come up against has proved more challenging than what lies ahead.

"It is probably the biggest challenge,” said the man with a personal medals haul including three Premier Leagues, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two FA Community Shields.

"To play them in the semi-final stage now, there are not many teams that you'd fancy over two legs against Barca, the way they've played.”

Barcelona ended Chelsea's Champions League hopes in 2009 – when an injury-time goal from Andres Iniesta saw the Catalans advance to the final on away goals.

They went on to win the trophy that year - just one of three Champions Leagues they have claimed in the last six years.

Lampard added: “They've shown it over the last few years how well they've played. It's a huge, huge challenge, as big as anyone could probably take on.

"And if we win it, it'll be one of the biggest victories. But it'll only put us in the final and not winning the final. So, then the next (challenge) comes."

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Robin van Persie leading race for PFA award

Robin van Persie drew a blank against Wigan last night but is expected to be celebrating winning the PFA’s top award by the end of the week.

The prolific Arsenal striker was immediately installed as the odds-on favourite for the Players’ Player of the Year prize by bookmakers after being named among the nominees by the Professional Footballers’ Association yesterday.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker and the Manchester City trio of Joe Hart, Sergio Aguero and David Silva made up a six-man shortlist, but it would be a surprise if Van Persie is not named the winner on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Dutchman has struck 34 times in all competitions for the Gunners this season having shrugged off some of the injury problems that have hampered him in the past.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: “He has been amazing.

“You could pick half a dozen of his goals out for goal of the season.

“Arsenal were struggling for some time but he was a real talisman for them.

“He seems to have lifted the team and got them back believing in themselves again and looking to qualify for the Champions League, giving all the Arsenal fans some hope.”

The huge impact made by Aguero since his club record £38million move to City from Atletico Madrid last summer is recognised by the fact he is also shortlisted for the Young Player of the Year prize.

The 23-year-old Argentinian has scored 28 goals for Roberto Mancini’s side.

Taylor said: “We have been really fortunate to have a player like Sergio Aguero here.

“He has been a major player for Manchester City and I am not surprised there is talk of Real Madrid wanting him.

“I think Manchester City should work hard to keep him because he is a joy to watch.”

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, who won the senior award last season, is this year nominated only in the young player category.

The 22-year-old Welshman is now regarded as one of the best left-sided players in the world and Taylor would love to see him play for Great Britain at this summer’s Olympics.

He said: “That would be brilliant. If he wants to play, and I hope he does, I think he should be given the opportunity.

“He fully deserves to be in a Great Britain team.”

Bale’s Spurs team-mate Kyle Walker, Arsenal prodigy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge are the other young players in contention.