Aston Villa trio given chance to impress

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed that he is prepared to allow striker Darren Bent and defender Alan Hutton to return to the first-team squad.

The pair spent loan spells at Fulham and Bolton Wanderers last season but both players, along with long-term injury absentee Charles N'Zogbia, will be allowed to feature in pre-season training in July.

The 44-year-old is quoted by the Express & Star as saying: "Everyone is even now. Everyone is level, that's what you can do.

"It's publicly known what's happened and everyone is on a level playing field. The only uncertainty is the main one – how long does the club take to get sold?"

It was revealed on Monday that Lambert would be remaining at the club, despite widespread calls for the Scot to resign from his position.