Gareth Southgate backs Aston Villa's youth policy

The ex-claret and blues skipper believes Paul Lambert is right to put his faith in young talent without mega-bucks to spend.

Lambert guided Villa to Premier League survival last season with an inexperienced squad and the boss has targeted bargains buys this summer.

He has signed five players including Jores Okore, 20, and 22-year-old Nicklas Helenius, and Southgate believes Villa can be an example for others.

Southgate, who made 245 appearances for Villa, said: "Yes, there has to be a reality with what can be done.

"The world has changed and other clubs have come in with enormous wealth, which makes it difficult for everyone else.

"If you go with young players, you run a risk. I did it to a degree at Middlesbrough. I put a lot of faith in youth and, in hindsight, I perhaps put too much faith in certain positions.

"Having said that, unless you have got the money a couple of the owners in the Premier League have then you have to really assess how you spend.

"Villa remain a fantastic club and the level of support they will get if they get it going again is huge."

Villa are looking to trim their wage bill and allowed Brett Holman to leave on a free to Al Nasr this week.

Big earners Darren Bent, Shay Given and Stephen Ireland are expected to exit and Southgate agreed Villa have always run a tight ship.

The former England star, who has been linked with the vacant under-21 job, said: "We are at a time where there's more money in the game than ever and yet every club is in debt."

Meanwhile, defender Derrick Williams has signed a three-year deal with League One new-boys Bristol City after turning down a new deal with Villa.