Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed that his ability to "stay strong" helped him through his spell out of the Chelsea side.

The 33-year-old found himself dropped to the bench in recent weeks, but returned to the starting lineup against Valencia last week to score in the Blues' 1-1 draw in Spain.

This afternoon the England international struck a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers and, speaking after the match, claimed that his experience helped him through a period where many reports had questioned his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

"I've been around a long time now and I know everything is not going to be plain sailing," Lampard told Sky Sports News.

"It's all about staying strong and letting your football do the talking.

"If you do that and work hard, than things come to you."

Lampard's three goals at the Reebok Stadium was the sixth hat-trick of his career.