Villa’s controversial 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday has plunged the club back into the relegation zone after a poor run of form that has seen them lose four of their last five.

Despite the disappointments, Lambert is optimistic and believes that the support he gets from owner Randy Lerner will be crucial in order to steer Villa clear of relegation.

"I always speak to Randy," Lambert told reporters. "I've always had a good relationship with him. He's been great with me.

"If you look at the years he's been here, he's put in an incredible amount of money. You can't fault what he has done for this club. I understand the finances of it. I'm pretty sure he is astute enough, I'm not silly. I know the pitfalls of the game.

"It's a privilege to be here and we will give it a right good go. We go with what we've got but if a couple [of players] come in during January, then great.

"It would be wrong for me to say that there is X amount of money available but we will try to do something."

Despite their struggles this term, Lambert remains bullish about his side's chances of beating the drop.

"Yes, I still think we will be safe [from relegation]," he asserted. "I just do. I've said that from day one."