Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert hopeful of Carles Gil impact

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has backed new signing Carles Gil to boost the team in front of goal.

The Spanish midfielder, 22, joined the Villans from Valencia on Tuesday on a deal until 2019.

Villa have scored just 11 times in the Premier League this season, but Lambert is hopeful that Gil can provide the 'creative spark' that the team desperately needs.

"He'll give us something I think we've been crying out for," the Scot is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "That creativity spark, and that's what we've been needing to finish off the work.

"We needed someone like him to unlock doors and try and make things happen. But as I've said before, I'm not going to put masses of expectancy level when he's just here.

"He's 22, great potential to be a really good player. He's played in La Liga, knows the game, he's been at a massive club, played against great teams and great players and he's someone who will excite everybody."

Gil could debut for Villa on Saturday when they entertain Liverpool in the Premier League.