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Aston Villa upbeat on fitness of key trio

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Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert today remained upbeat on the fitness of Jores Okore, Fabian Delph and Joe Cole.

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Okore missed the 1-0 victory over Houston Dynamo with a knee injury, Delph went off after half an hour with a foot problem, while Cole hasn't played any part in the US trip because of a thigh injury.

Lambert believes all three are only minor injuries and expects to welcome the trio back for the Premier League kick-off at Stoke on August 16. "Fabian came off as something was wrong with his foot but hopefully it's not too bad," said the manager.

"Jores hurt his knee in training so we decided to leave him out but he could be OK to face Chesterfield on Wednesday. And Joe Cole is recovering well from his thigh injury and should start running next week, which is good."

And, as Villa prepare for the next stage of their pre-season programme, Lambert said the US tour had been his best so far.

"It was really, really pleasing in these conditions," said Lambert after Villa beat Dynamo 1-0 thanks to a Joe Bennett goal.

"I've never experienced anything like it yet those boys have not only coped, they have beaten sides 20-odd games into their season, who deal with these extreme conditions all the time," added Lambert.

"It was another win against Houston and it rounds off this mini-tour really well.

"Dallas was warm but in Houston it's a dead heat. It was really tough. But I was really happy with the team.

"I was delighted with them. It's been great. It really has. It's been a tough few days. But the lads have been excellent.

"Dallas was a great venue as was Houston. They have made us welcome. Everything on this trip has been very good.

"The new lads Kieran Richardson and Philippe Senderos are adapting well — add Joe Cole and the group have bonded quickly, so it's been a really worthwhile trip.

"In fact it's been the best pre-season in my time here."