Andi Weimann backs Villa boss Lambert to stay

Andi Weimann today insisted Paul Lambert has "no reason" to leave Villa and called for him to stay.

The Austrian has given his support to the boss with speculation surrounding his future as chairman Randy Lerner prepares to reveal his plans.

Lerner is expected to announce next week he is ready to sell the club, after they secured Premier League survival with Saturday's 3-1 win over Hull.

Weimann scored twice at the weekend and doesn't see why Lambert should leave.

"There's no reason for him not to be here. It's been difficult, the last couple of months, but only for the last six games when we started losing," he said.

"Before that we were sitting in 10th so we were doing OK. He gave me the chance last year and I've played pretty much every game this year so I like it."

Weimann's brace took his tally to six goals this season and he admitted he knew he had to take responsibility against Hull.

Gabby Agbonlahor limped out and with Christian Benteke sidelined until next season with a serious Achilles injury Weimann was the senior striker.

"Everyone has to step up and they are two big players but I thought to myself 'Gabby has gone, Christian is not here so I'm going to get the goals'," said Weimann.

"I know I can score goals, I did it with reserves and last year. It didn't matter because I knew I could score. I got one and then another one.

"I played as a striker and I got two goals, the gaffer knows and I know that's probably my best position but I'll do a job on the right or the left for the team."

Villa go to Manchester City tomorrow before finishing the campaign at Tottenham on Sunday still in with a chance of clinching 11th.

They currently sit 14th and Weimann said they can go into the final two games pressure-free.

"It's brilliant. Everyone knew we needed a win and everyone stepped up and we got the three points," he said.

"As soon as we lost against Swansea (4-1) Hull was the game to win because the last two games are not easy games for us. We needed the three points and we stepped up and performed well."

And Weimann insisted there was determination and a resolve from the squad to avoid another season of struggle.

He added: "We beat Chelsea and we went 10th but since then we didn't win and it's not nice to be on a run like that. In the end we're there and we stepped up and did it.

"You don't want to be down there and involved in a relegation fight. You want to be higher and this club wants to be higher in the table and that's what we'll try next year."