Paul Lambert backs Aston Villa defender Nathan Baker to keep improving

Boss Paul Lambert today insisted Nathan Baker will continue to rise at Villa.

Villa have shipped 10 goals in a three-game losing run ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace. But Lambert has been happy with the defender's development.

"The more times you play in this league, you get so switched on," he said.

"I think that's the whole Premier League. Err and you'll get hurt.

"The amount of games they've played and the maturity they gain, they know you have to be bang at your game at this level, every time, to get a result.

"I think that comes with experience. With every game that he plays he'll know, especially being the last line, that you have to be so clued in to decision-making and being a defender. "

Baker made his debut against Wigan in 2011 after rising through the Villa Park ranks and has made 68 appearances.

He has jumped ahead of Ciaran Clark to be Ron Vlaar's regular partner at the back after suffering an injury in the 3-1 opening day win at Arsenal in August.

"He's been excellent, Nathan," added Lambert.

"He's set the tone in some games in the first couple of minutes. He's that committed to the challenge.

"You know what you're going to get."