Paul Lambert: No issues with Villa defender Matt Lowton
Paul Lambert?today denied a rift with Matt Lowton and insisted the out-of-favour Villa defender is close to a return.
The manager has reiterated he has no problem with the right-back – who has started just once in almost three months.
Replacement Leandro Bacuna's place is in doubt ahead of Sunday's visit of Manchester United after a series of gaffes against Albion and Fulham.
Lowton, an ever-present last season, could be in line for a recall and Lambert dismissed any issue.
"I've never had any problems with any of them, it's just a decision which I think is right," he said.
"I speak to him every day, and he's not far away. Bacuna has been playing well and when Matty came on on Sunday he did fine.
"He is not too far away from getting back in. I'll decide next week."