Lambert brushes off Bent row talk
October 01, 2012 14:38:53 UK
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has dismissed speculation suggesting he has fallen out with record signing Darren Bent.
The former Tottenham and Sunderland forward started Sunday's 1-1 draw with West Brom on the bench but came on as a second-half substitute and grabbed the goal that ensured the spoils were shared at Villa Park.
I need everyone, it's a collective thing, I never look at individuals.
Paul Lambert
Lambert opted to start with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke in attack but insists that does not necessarily mean that he has had a row with Bent.
Bent has lost his place in the England set-up as well as being forced to hand the Villa captain's armband to Ron Vlaar, but Lambert said when asked about the striker: "There was no problem. I just named the team and that's the team I picked.
"I need everyone, it's a collective thing, I never look at individuals. The goal was brilliant, it was a world-class finish. He was fine at full-time. I spoke to him in the dressing room as well. He was totally fine, totally, no problem, none."
The result leaves Villa at 201.00 to finish in the top six this season and at 29.00 to be relegated. Meanwhile, they are 2.37 to clinch a top-half spot.
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