Lambert blasts Villa link

Norwich City manager Paul Lambert has slammed speculation that he is in line to replace under-fire Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish.

The two Scots have enjoyed contrasting fortunes this season, with Norwich surpassing all expectations by achieving mid-table security, while McLeish’s more established team is precariously close to the relegation zone.

Several newspapers reported on Friday that Villa owner Randy Lerner is preparing to bring Lambert to the Birmingham club in the summer, something to which the former Celtic midfielder has not taken kindly.

“Speculation about players is something you can never do anything about,” the Norwich manager told reporters.

“That happens. It happens with managers as well and you can’t stop that.

“If my players get linked with other teams there is not a thing I can do about that. It is the same situation about myself.

“It is extremely unfair with me being linked with Aston Villa when they have got a really good manager up there who is doing everything he can to stay in the league. It is an unfair comment for me to say anything on that.”

Lambert prefers to concentrate on Saturday’s game against Liverpool, when his side will look to put a run of two consecutive defeats behind them.

The Reds have been struggling in the league for much of this season, but Lambert is adamant that it will be a tough game at Carrow Road.

“It will be extremely hard,” he said.

“I don’t need to lift them because the game itself will lift them.

“We’ll certainly have to lift it because I think Liverpool are a top side. Some of the players they have got are outstanding.

“The history and the tradition they have got is such that we have to step it up. They have won the (Carling) Cup, they are in the final of the FA Cup.

“The fanbase is huge, Kenny (Dalglish) is a massive presence and they are still a fantastic side. I don’t think anybody should underestimate that.”