Frank Lampard targets return to full fitness after making MLS bow

Frank Lampard has acknowledged that he has a lot of work to do before he finds his top form at New York City FC.

The former England international made his long-awaited debut for the MLS franchise on Saturday evening in a 3-2 home defeat against Montreal Impact.

Lampard admits that it was "nice" to finally shake off the calf strain that had delayed his Stateside bow, and has now targeted a return to full fitness.

"It was fantastic to run out on the pitch at Yankee Stadium with the fans showing a lot of support, I really enjoyed that moment obviously, but not perfect circumstances," the ex-Chelsea midfielder is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"I'd much rather have been running out in a win or with the team pushing for a win, and we were pushing to get back into the game.

"It's nice, it's a pleasure to run out, but now I look forward; I want to get fit, I haven't trained enough, I want to get the leg right and be able to contribute."

Defeat for NYCFC leaves them down in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.