Paul Lambert: Villa pair are ready to sparkle

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Aug 3, 2012

Paul Lambert today claimed creative duo Stephen Ireland and Charles N'Zogbia will flourish under his management this season.

N'Zogbia endured a difficult first season at Villa following his £10m switch from Wigan and had a strained relationship with former boss Alex McLeish.

Ireland won the Villa supporters player of the year award after a marked improvement last season following a troubled debut campaign although he has yet to reach the same level as he did at Manchester City.

But the Villa boss is confident he can unlock the potential in the enigmatic duo having seen a glimpse of what they are capable of in pre-season and on the training ground.

Lambert said: "Stephen is a real talent, there's no doubt about that. It shows when he plays because there is a lot of creativity there, just like Charles.

"They are both really talented footballers. We will try to get the best out of them because they are very very clever footballers. We've got to get them in positions where he can hurt teams.."

Lambert has also been impressed with the attitude shown by the pair thus far despite the problems they have had with previous managers.

"I didn't know them as people or as footballers but I can't ask for anything more from their attitude or the way they've been performing or their jobs in pre-season," explained the Scot.