Former Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson believes the club have the right man in charge in Frank Lampard.

Asked whether his ex-team-mate is the right man for the job, Johnson told Compare Bet: “Yeah, I do. I think right now, the way the club’s going, he’s proven that he is.

“Everyone’s got to make the most of certain opportunities that are thrown their way. I think even Lamps would be surprised that he’s got the job so soon. With the club in the position they were, it was good for him and good for the club.

“I think he’s earned his stripes early on, in terms of what he did with Jody [Morris] and using the youth. 18 months ago we didn’t know much about Mason Mount or Abraham and Reece James.

“They’ve brought all these players through, yes because of the ban, but they’ve still added massive assets to the club. Then obviously Roman believes in him and has given him the money to go and buy the players they’ve just bought.

“In the league, who’s more in-form than them right now? I don’t think anyone is. They’ve scored what, 12 goals in the last four home games and five clean sheets. They’re certainly the team that are going to close the gap.

“I don’t think this will be the season to tip Liverpool or City, but Chelsea will certainly make it a three-horse race next year.”