Lambert puts on brave face

Manager Paul Lambert has reiterated the confidence he has in his Aston Villa side.

Lambert remains optimistic despite a return of just one point from a possible 12 which has seen them teetering just above the relegation zone.

The Villans shipped 15 goals in those three defeats after beating Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield, including an 8-0 loss to Chelsea and a 4-0 home defeat against Spurs.

However, only a last-gasp equaliser denied the Midlands outfit a hard-fought three points away at Swansea on New Year’s Day, and the Scot insists the improved display is signs of a revival.

“We have been better than we have shown in the last three weeks,” Lambert told reporters.

“A result like this will always be a building block, it’s a long-term job I have here.

“It’s a massive job and the football club will be better in the future. We do have experience in the squad but some lads are injured at the minute, the club has been in this position before so it is not new to them.

“Everybody waxed lyrical when we beat Liverpool and two games later against Chelsea people said we can’t do anything right, but I will keep the belief I always have.”

Michael Laudrup’s decision to stick with Danny Graham, who has played second fiddle to star man Michu for most of the season, paid off as the forward netted his second goal in two games to earn Villa the point.

The Dane praised the striker for his work ethic, and believes Graham’s confidence is growing after the increased match action.

“I kept him in the side, not just because he scored at Fulham but because he did a good job in a difficult game,” Lambert said.

“He could have scored one or two and in this game his movement was much better, he looks good. The goal at Fulham gave him confidence as we know forwards live for goals.”

The 48-year-old has been linked with making moves for numerous players in the January window already but suggested the club is unlikely to do much business.

“I am pleased with the squad,” he said.

“We are working to be prepared with a list for every position (because) if something happens you have to be ready.

“I don’t want to say I am looking for a certain number but there will not be many as I am happy with the squad.

“We have to do things well, do things quickly and quietly as if other clubs get notice of what we are doing they may look to come in and then we would have a problem as a lot of teams in the Premier League have more financial capability than us.”