Giroud a role model for young Chelsea players, says Lampard

Giroud, who has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge this season with a host of quality new signings available to Lampard, made the most of a rare start with a vintage display which left his boss purring.

“He is the ultimate professional,” Lampard said after Chelsea secured the top spot in Group E with a match to spare.

“He isn’t always a regular but his performances have shown that he is a great sign for young players to keep training well. It was an amazing performance, to score four goals in the Champions League is a fantastic achievement. It was a complete performance and I am delighted for him.”

At 34 years and 63 days, Giroud became the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick and also the oldest to do it in the European Cup since former Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas did so in September 1965 for Real Madrid against Feyenoord.