Cole hails grieving Lampard

Joe Cole could not hide his admiration for Frank Lampard after the England star's penalty helped Chelsea to reach the Champions League final.

Lampard, still grieving over the death of his mother last Thursday, slotted home an extra-time spot-kick to put Chelsea 2-1 up against Liverpool and on the way to a Moscow showdown on May 21 against Manchester United.

Lampard, who dedicated his goal to mother Pat, was in tears as he celebrated with team-mates. His goal was followed by a second from Didier Drogba before Ryan Babel hit a late consolation for the beaten Reds.

Drogba, criticised by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as a 'diver' before the game, had opened the scoring in the 33rd minute but Fernando Torres ensured the semi-final went into extra-time with a second-half equaliser.

But Cole was quick to pay tribute to Lampard's bravery.

"To even be able to play, put in the performance he did, step-up and take the penalty and score - I just can't put it into words what I think about Frank," said Cole. "I have known Frank for a long time and I know what kind of a fella he is.

"I don't think he gets the plaudits he should do. He is a great player and a great man and to do what he did at a time when other things are going on his life, I just take my hat off to him."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has also hailed Lampard's character.

Redknapp, who managed the midfielder - his nephew - during his time in charge of West Ham, has saluted the England international's qualities.

"I think it shows you what the boy is made of. He is a fantastic character and a great role model for any young kid. He showed great courage to step up and take the penalty," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"We are all very proud of him. He was so focused and knew he was going to score.

"It was a great penalty under unbelievable pressure - that separates great players from the average players."

But Cole had a warning for his Chelsea team-mates as they look forward to the first all-English Champions League final in Russia in three weeks.

"We haven't won anything yet," Cole declared. "We are all happy and it is an historic moment but we have not won anything yet and silverware is what counts.

"All season everyone has played their part, we have had a lot of injuries at key times and this is a win for all the squad."

Chelsea almost let their chance slip away when Torres pounced to cancel out Drogba's opener but after they had finished the job in extra-time, Cole was mindful of returning the dignity shown to the Blues after Liverpool's two previous Champions League semi-final victories over them.

"We sat back and let them come back into it," admitted Cole. "They are a top side and this is their competition and when the draw was made I would have preferred to have played anyone else in the world because of their record against us in this competition. But we got the job done.

"When we lost the first two semi-finals, the Liverpool fans showed us a lot of dignity with the celebrations and so we were cautious not to over-celebrate and show respect to Liverpool. It was a good game and a great advert for football.

"We are very pleased and it is a great achievement for the club and every player in our squad. Now we need to go and win it."