Aly Cissokho will be ready for Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert today vowed new signing Aly Cissokho will be ready to make his debut at Stoke City in the Premier League opener.

The powerful left-back is currently awaiting international clearance after signing a four-year deal, joining from Spanish club Valencia for £2million.

The 26-year-old Frenchman, a former Liverpool loanee, was introduced to the home fans at half-time in the goalless friendly draw against Parma at Villa Park on Saturday.

Boss Lambert linked up with Cissokho today for training at Bodymoor Heath and believes the club have signed a "real asset."

He said: "Aly has been at some massive clubs and has that big-game experience. I think he did well at Liverpool.

"He also did great with Valencia. This will stand him in really good stead and stand us in good stead as well.

"We have a good player on our hands here. He can thrive. It will give him a boost being here as a permanent player, too, rather than being a loanee. I am looking forward to working with him.

"He is somebody I think will be a big asset. He's big, strong and powerful. He gives you a presence. He is also at a good age.

"He has already played five games this pre-season. He will be ready."

Meanwhile, Lambert has confirmed that Joe Cole is back in training, after struggling with a persistent thigh injury.

The Villa chief is confident that the 32-year-old midfielder will be available when his side travel to the Britannia Stadium.

Lambert said: "He is training now with the group, which is good. I know he has missed a wee bit. Everybody seems to be pretty healthy."