Benitez in dark over Lampard deal

[Shola Sholaz]

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez was unable to shed any fresh light on Frank Lampard's future after the midfielder scored his 12th goal of the season.
.
The 34-year-old struck a trademark effort from the edge of the penalty area as Chelsea beat Wigan 4-1 .
.
Lampard's contract is due to expire at the end of the season and the club have yet to begin talks over an extension.
.
When asked whether the decision on Lampard's future would be his, Benitez told BBC Sport: "What do you think?"
.
"It is very clear that my position is that Frank is doing a good job and working very hard," Benitez added.
.
"Hopefully he can score another 20 goals and I will be really delighted. He has to keep playing football, he is a good professional and he is doing well."
.
Lampard's representatives last week insisted no new talks have taken place and Benitez insisted he was in the dark over the player's future.
.
He said: "It is not my decision, I am trying to improve him if that is possible because he is a great influence."