Frank Lampard has expressed his disappointment at being left out of the Chelsea starting lineup by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The England midfielder has been increasingly relied upon as an impact substitute, and he came on late against Manchester City on Monday night to score the winner.

"I want to play, it's as simple as that. Being 33 or not, I'm as fit as I've ever been. I've been in a good run of form and now I've not been playing," Lampard said.

"I haven't spoken to the manager, so I don't know why I'm not playing. Simple as that."

Monday's late goal made Lampard Chelsea's joint top scorer this season, and the 33-year-old admits that being left on the bench is increasingly frustrating.

"I want to play all the time. If I didn't, there wouldn't be any point turning up. So maybe there's a bit of frustration because of that," he admitted.

"I'm always at my best when I'm playing regularly. I know I've got a lot to give.

"I just want to be on the pitch and let my football do the talking."

Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League, seven points off leaders Manchester City.