Despite being in the midst of a relegation battle, the Scot has vowed to continue putting his faith in youngsters, especially after watching Matthew Lowton score a superb strike in his side's 3-1 win over Stoke on Saturday.

Lambert believes 23-year-old Lowton has a big future ahead of him in the game.

"He was low profile because nobody had really heard of him but if you give them the opportunity you don't know," Lambert said.

"He's not the finished article but he's certainly playing really, really well. If he carries on the way he's going, he's going to have a great career.

"That's what we have always tried to do. I have always tried to get that type of lad in. I get great satisfaction seeing footballers doing well, it's never about myself.

"I get great satisfaction, even when experienced lads are performing at their profession."

Lambert's policy of blooding youngsters has been criticised this season, particularly due to Villa having lost leads.

And the Scot admits dropped points can be blamed on his players' lack of experience.

"That's what happens, they are young, and there's times when we played West Brom we were 2-0 up and pegged back, Swansea we were a minute away from winning and against Manchester United we were 2-0 up," he added.

"There's games where we have been well in it and through one thing or another we have been pinned back. I'm proud of my team."