Chelsea hero Franck Leboeuf admits he was wrong about Frank Lampard last season.

Leboeuf ­declared last summer that ­Chelsea should clear out the Old Guard, which included Lampard.

Leboeuf now says: "I was wrong in my judgement about Frank.

"He is the catalyst in the team. He dictates play, he ­organises things. Frank is the voice of Di Matteo on the pitch.

"I could not see him becoming that kind of player when I was playing against him while he was at West Ham. He has ­developed and matured.

"Frank will have a big role for Chelsea this season. There is no doubt in my mind about that.

"My one concern is that he cannot play in every game, and I wonder who will do the same job when he is not there."