Aston Villa's Paul Lambert: Joe Cole can make Premier League impact

Midfielder Cole signed a two-year deal on Tuesday after being released by West Ham despite interest from the MLS in America.

Lambert said: "Joe's not in it for the money, he simply wants to play and prove that he's still a top professional in the Premier League.

"He'll thrive on the responsibility here. He's someone who has always stepped up to the plate. That's inherent in his character and he's the type of character we need.

"He'll enhance the group and he'll bring out a lot from players around him because he'll demand that.

"He's a humble lad in spite of everything he's achieved in the game and he's hungry as well."

Cole is expected to play in the No.10 role for Villa and will be charged with supplying the ammunition to Christian Benteke, once he has recovered from an Achilles injury.

Lambert has been hunting more experience and believes the three-time Premier League winner will provide vital know-how to the squad.

"For us, he's got a lot to offer - he's an intelligent footballer and his attitude is first-class.

"When we sat down and talked I was very impressed by him.

"He's a guy who has played at the top for many years, been capped 56 times for England which is incredible but he still has an awful lot to offer and he wants to prove himself still.

"This is a really good signing for us. If the fire wasn't still burning in him, which is the phrase he's used himself, he would have gone overseas and been content with what he's achieved.

"But that's not him. Players will learn from Joe Cole, as they will from Philippe Senderos who joined us last week. I'm looking forward to both of them being part of the group and the other players will be excited by them joining, too."