Aston Villa defender Ryan Bertrand has praised manager Paul Lambert for having a positive influence on his players.

Bertrand joined Villa from Chelsea in January on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has now revealed that the lure of playing under Lambert was a major factor in his move to Villa Park.

"Paul Lambert was one of the main catalysts of me coming to this club, because he is a manager whose teams play the way that I like to play," Bertrand told Villa's official website.

"He really encourages you to express yourself on the pitch so it's always a pleasure to play this way."

Bertrand will be unavailable for Villa on Saturday when they entertain his parent club in the Premier League.

Written by
Jack Prescott