Paul Lambert: 'Darren Bent wanted to go out on loan'

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has defended his decision to send striker Darren Bent out on loan despite his club being the Premier League's lowest scorers.

The Villans have scored six goals all season - forwards Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann getting three each - but despite this, Bent sealed a loan move to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.

Lambert told Sky Sports News: "Darren wanted to go out on loan about a month ago but with Christian Benteke being suspended we had to keep him here.

"It gets Darren's career going again and that's why I loaned him to Fulham last year, to try to get him going. But Darren wanted to go himself as well.

"Christian is coming back after Saturday and I think Gabby Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann will find their feet again in terms of goalscoring."

Villa 16th in the Premier League table, travel to Burnley on Saturday.