Lambert: Holman will get his chance at Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has insisted that he will give Alex McLeish signing Brett Holman a chance to impress.

The Australian striker agreed a deal to join the west Midlands club in March, while under contract at Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and before McLeish was sacked.

However, though the new manager admitted he does not know a great deal about the 28-year-old, he assured the player that he will not be overlooked.

The 42-year-old told reporters: “If there is one lad who has probably got a bit of trepidation, then it would be Brett because it wasn’t me who brought him to the club.

“But I have spoken to him to reassure him and he will get a right fair chance.

“I don’t know much about him but I have watched some of his games. He did well at Alkmaar so I don’t have any worries about him on that score.

“It’s not as if you are going in with a young kid. He is 28.

“As long as he works hard and tries to be successful, then he will be the same as everybody. He will get a chance.”

Holman officially joined the club on July 1 and has taken full part in pre-season training.