Ballack's Wembley dream helped him beat his injury hell

Michael Ballack today claimed his dreams of playing at Wembley helped him overcome his injury nightmare at Chelsea.

The German midfielder suffered an eight-month lay-off after double ankle surgery, during which time both his club and his country tasted success at the new stadium.

Ballack has been a revelation since his comeback last month - so much so that he captains the side in the absence of John Terry and Frank Lampard.

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Chelsea go to Everton with a 2-1 first-leg lead in their Carling Cup semi-final and Ballack is determined to finish the job and secure the first of many appointments at Wembley.

The 31-year-old said: "For every player there is a great motivation to play in finals at that stadium. "It was frustrating missing the FA Cup Final win there in May and when Germany played England (in a friendly in August) because I was injured.

"But I still have a little bit of time and I hope we can get through. I don't want to just play one, I would like to play in two or three more finals at Wembley.

"I played in the last game at the old Wembley and have fond memories of the stadium. I think every player has but especially Germans because we won that game and it is a little bit of history.

"It is very important to get to Wembley. When you are in the semis and you have the chance to get to the final you have to take it."

Ballack's impact has not been lost on his team-mates.

Full back Ashley Cole said: "He is a big player and has been in the game for a long time to know how to deal with the pressure he had. Now we are seeing the best of Ballack. He has come back from a bad injury and is fresh and raring to go."