Paul Lambert backs handy Andi against Villa critics

Villa boss Paul Lambert today backed Andi Weimann and insisted his critics should cut him some slack.

The claret and blues chief believes the Austria international deserves time and his detractors are "missing the point".

Weimann has scored four goals this season after hitting 12 last term to come under fire from a section of supporters.

But Lambert said, in only Weimann's second full season, it is unfair to expect too much from the striker.

"I think people are missing the point with him because he's only really been playing regularly for about a year," he said.

"I know he was in and out the team the season before last when he'd just come through the academy.

"It's only probably since we came in that he's had a sustainable run at it. Last year he was excellent, this year I think more times than not he's played well for us."

Weimann, 22, signed a new three-year contract last summer after helping Villa to safety and forming a prolific front three with Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor.

He hasn't scored since January's 4-3 win over Albion but Lambert believes the goals will come.

He said: "This year the only difference is his goalscoring hasn't been what it was last year because he scored a lot last year.

"That's the only thing missing from his game, but Andi is another young lad who is really still starting out.

"He's a natural finisher, I'll give him that, and he gets himself into scoring positions.

"When he gets a chance you think he will score every time – or he'll hit the target.

"I think it's well documented that his workrate is incredible. If Andi doesn't score you know he's going to put a right good shift in for you and that's a big attribute to have."