Villa boss defends leaving out Bent again

A late header from Christian Benteke, who has replaced Bent as Villa's first-choice striker under Lambert, helped the claret and blues to an overdue 1-0 win over Reading last night in the Premier League.

It was a result which lifted them out of the drop zone – for 24 hours at least.

But there was no place again for £24m poacher Bent even among the substitutes, with rookie striker Jordan Bowery preferred instead.

Lambert also denied there was any fallout with Bent or that the striker had left the stadium before kick-off after his exclusion from his plans.

He said: "Darren was in the squad, it was the same on Saturday. I just picked the same group. I do what think is best for Villa.

"But, honestly, I don't have a problem with Darren Bent and I do rate him as a player.

"I have no problem with his attitude in training, none whatsoever. Did he storm off? No, not a thing.

"I would tell you. I thought he was fine. I read the team out. The most important thing is Aston Villa. Will I listen to offers in January?

"Honestly, my main concern is winning games for this club, nothing else. Can Bent play again for us? Yes, never rule anything out.

"But I pick a team to win, I never pick one I think will lose."

Lambert was again keen to heap praise on to the shoulders of Benteke, who terrorised the Reading defence throughout the contest.

The Villa boss said: "He's been excellent. I'm running out of things to say about the big guy and he's turning into a fans' favourite.

"He's been brilliant for us. I thought the header was fantastic – he's only 21 and may not hit his peak until his late 20s.

"You've just got to keep your nerve. I must give the back four credit, as Nathan Baker has not played for while.

"Credit to them for the way they played and to the team."

Villa left-back Enda Stevens and captain Ron Vlaar are both expected to be out for up to two weeks with ankle and a calf problems respectively.