Ron Vlaar passed fit for Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has confirmed that captain Ron Vlaar is fit to play in Saturday's derby with West Bromwich Albion following a calf injury.

The defender has been forced to miss two months of action since he picked up the problem at the end of November.

"Ron is okay for tomorrow," Lambert told the club's official website. "He's come through this week. He's been fine.

"It's important to have him back. He's been out for a couple of months. Ron coming back will be a major plus."

Villa will start the match against their local rivals in the Premier League relegation zone.