Lampard backs Torres to shine after breaking duck

More than 15 hours since he last hit the target for club or country, Torres found the back of the net on Saturday as the British record £50million signing scored Chelsea's second goal in their 3-0 win over West Ham.

The Spain striker's cool finish sparked scenes of wild celebration among his team-mates and in the Stamford Bridge crowd.

After going 732 minutes and 13 appearances without scoring since joining Chelsea almost three months ago, Torres had been in danger of being branded the most expensive flop in football history.

Torres had been forced to start as a substitute for the third successive game as Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti kept faith with the in-form Didier Drogba.

But England midfielder Lampard applauded the way Torres had handled the huge pressure on his shoulders and insisted Saturday's goal was just the beginning for the 27-year-old.

"A world-class striker comes with a massive price tag," Lampard said. "You can't change quality and you can't change a world-class player. We've seen it with him in his career and nothing changes.

"He's a quiet lad, he's not opened his mouth. If he's been on the bench, he's come on and not said anything.

"It was always going to be a matter of time and I think now you're going to see him fly, whether it be the last few games of this season or next season."

Chelsea's victory moved them back to within six points of leaders Manchester United and Lampard is hopeful his side, who still have to play at Old Trafford next month, can overhaul Sir Alex Ferguson's team if they beat Tottenham next weekend.

"We can only win the title if we win all our games and Manchester United drop points," Lampard said.

"They're in the driving seat and we can only do what we can do and that includes going to Manchester United.

"We've got a huge game against Tottenham next week. If we can win that then Manchester United might slip up against Arsenal. Then we can do it.

"We've got to keep our heads straight and keep doing our own thing."