Paul Lambert: 'Squad not feeling down'

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has insisted that his players are not feeling downbeat following Monday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Villans' survival hopes were dealt a blow at the start of the week as Robin van Persie scored a first-half hat-trick at Old Trafford to help United clinch the title.

When asked if there was a loss of confidence in his squad because of that result, Lambert told the club's official website: "No there's not. I knew that by the way they played in the second half. I knew they were fine.

"I was disappointed to lose a game, but they came off the pitch and knew they'd done alright."

Villa, who are three points above the drop zone, continue their fight against relegation this Monday when they host fellow strugglers Sunderland.