Paul Lambert outlines Aston Villa youth policy

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has said that his focus is fixed on bringing players through the academy rather than splashing out on big-money signings.

The Scot has built one of the youngest squads in the Premier League since arriving at Villa Park from Norwich City last year, with an average age of around 23 years.

Lambert suggested that he is comfortable with the means given to him by chairman Randy Lerner, despite being somewhat restricted in the transfer market.

"Randy has been great and (chief executive) Paul Faulkner have been great but we won't be able to do what you would call a massive signing," Sky Sports News quotes the 44-year-old as saying.

"We have to look at the market, the young lads. We give them an opportunity and hopefully they take it."

Lambert guided the Villans to a 15th-placed finish in his first season, and they are currently 11th after 11 games this term.