Paul Lambert tips Villa's Ashley Westwood for England

The midfielder has become key to Lambert rebuilding job after signing from Crewe last summer.

He scored his first Villa goal in Monday's 2-2 draw at Albion as the claret and blues came from 2-0 down to claim a point.

And Lambert paid tribute to Westwood and believes he compares to Manchester United legend Scholes.

"I would say he is in that mould and I read somewhere he compares to Michael Carrick," he said.

"Those are not bad lads to emulate.

"If Westy can look at things like that but he will always be his own man.

"One thing is for sure, if he ever did get a chance I don't think he would ever let anyone down."

The 23-year-old signed from League On Alex last season and Lambert believes he is one of his best bargain buys.

"We went and intercepted him from going somewhere else," he said. "The money we bought him for was incredible – under £1m – and he is great value."