Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has admitted that he would welcome the addition of a winter break into the Premier League calender.

The Scot experienced a mid-season break during his stint as a player with German outfit Borussia Dortmund.

Having seen the benefits that a rest during the winter can have on a player, Lambert believes that it is a model that English football should look to replicate.

"I think it's a great thing, I experienced it and loved it. It gives you time to get away – but you also have to come back and do a mini pre-season," he told the Express & Star.

"You have all the games here, that's the problem. In Germany you have just one cup competition. The benefit you get is great. If you are carrying an injury it gives you that time to get back."

The likes of Spain and Italy also give their clubs some time off over the winter period.