Aston Villa's Grant Holt backed to partner Christian Benteke

The Wigan loanee is set for his debut at Anfield tomorrow after signing until the end of the season.

He links up with Lambert again after three successful years at Norwich before the Scot joined Villa in 2012.

Holt scored 78 goals in 168 games for the Canaries, before a £2m move to Wigan last year, and provides six-goal top scorer Benteke with much needed support after Libor Kozak's broken leg.

Gabby Agbonlahor has scored three times and Andi Weimann just once in the Premier League this season with Benteke needing back-up.

"I wouldn't have a problem with playing Christian and Grant together. I think they would bring a physicality to things," said Lambert.

"When you look at their physicality allied to Gabby's speed and Andi's endeavour, there are a lot of options there.

"They used to say the same about Grant Holt and Steve Morison. They used to say they couldn't play together.

"The two of them were a handful for me at Norwich."

Lambert previously said when he joined Villa Holt was not one of his transfer targets but Kozak's injury and a need for experience changed his mind.

And he believes the 32-year-old can have a big impact on and off the pitch at Villa Park.

He said: "When I knew Grant had become available it was something I wanted to pursue quickly because he'll add strength and experience to what is still a young squad overall.

"Having worked with him for three years at Norwich, I know what he can do and that's important.

"Coming back into the Premier League will rekindle that desire in him to succeed again at this level and, if he can replicate what he did in those three years at Norwich over these next few months here at Villa, then he'll make an impact, that's for sure.

"Grant's got some really strong attributes, he's someone who is tried and trusted and a player I've worked with before.

"We're looking at one or two other positions as well but this is good business for us and he'll be a really strong influence."