Paul Lambert: 'Aston Villa is a long-term project'

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has insisted that his time with the club should be seen as a "long-term" project.

The Villans are just two points off the relegation zone in the Premier League table following Saturday's goalless draw against Stoke City.

"When I came here, I knew be it would be a long-term thing and that's what we're trying to do," said Lambert.

"We are trying to fix it really quickly and sometimes you need that time together.

"But I am not just putting them out there to learn. I know they can handle it and the last few weeks we've been very good."

Lambert takes Villa to former club Norwich City in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.