Bent: Villa are ´going places´ under Lambert

Darren Bent believes that Aston Villa are set for a successful spell under newly appointed manager Paul Lambert.

The 42-year-old coach took the reins at Villa Park following a fantastic debut season with Norwich, and the striker believes the Scotsman is the man to take the club to the top.

“With one or two additions he brings in, it could be a really good year for us. We have some good youngsters coming through and this year is their chance to shine. I really think Villa is going places,” he said.

“Last season some of the youngsters had to come in and play five or six games straight off and they had never done that before. But they have a season under their belt now and know what to expect from the Premier League.”

Bent lamented the fact that chairman Randy Learner has failed to replace the big names who left the club, and he believes this has had a negative impact on the team.

“You can’t let players like Ashley Young and Stewart Downing go, and not really replace them,” he said.

Last season, Aston Villa finished 16th in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation spots.