Aston Villa boss could start new-boys at Everton
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he would have no hesitation about throwing deadline-day signings Yacouba Sylla and Simon Dawkins into his starting line-up.
Defensive midfielder Sylla joined for £1.75million from French second division club Clermont while winger Dawkins signed on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.
The pair were training with their new team-mates at Bodymoor Heath today and Lambert would not hesitate to give either player a debut at Goodison Park.
"The two of them are ready to go. I wouldn't have any fear about throwing them in," said Lambert.
"Sylla will give us something we don't have with a bit of steel. He's someone who I think is raring to go.
"He'll give us something in the middle of the pitch we haven't got.
"He will get stuck right in and you need players to do the dirty work. He is a strong lad who might add a bit of bite in the middle of the pitch.
"Dawkins will surprise people with the way he plays the game, he will create and make things happen. He had a spell in America where he has been incredible."
A section of the Villa supporters criticised the club's lack of spending in the transfer window, but Lambert has confidence the duo can make an impact to help Villa avoid relegation.
"I have the belief they are going to go and do it," said Lambert.
"I think new faces give you a lift. As soon as they come in they bring freshness to everybody."
The Scot also confirmed that the club's medical staff will monitor experienced defender Richard Dunne after he suffered a setback in training last week.
He added: "We're still assessing that and seeing how that is. He's not trained since last Friday."