• Premier League

Lambert: No problem with Holman

ESPN staff
April 10, 2013
Brett Holman has fallen down the pecking order at Aston Villa © PA Photos
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Paul Lambert is pleased Brett Holman feels unhappy at losing his place at Aston Villa - but insists there has been no fall-out with the Australia international.

During a recent international break with the Socceroos, Holman complained of his frustration at being left out of the side and said he had barely spoken with manager Lambert for several weeks.

The 29-year-old midfielder has not started a game since January, but Lambert insists he would rather hear his players complaining rather than just accepting the situation.

The Villa boss insists he has given Holman a full explanation for his motives as he looks to avoid relegation and assured him he still has a part to play in vital games remaining this season.

"I've spoken to him. I had a good chat with him," Lambert said. "He is an experienced player and has done really fine since he's been here. You don't want people to sit and be happy when they are not in the side. You want them to be unhappy.

"He couldn't get in because Charles [N'Zogbia] was playing extremely well. He wasn't fit for the other week; he is fit now. He has trained this week so he is back in the fray. I've got to pick a team that can win a game. That's the only reason."

Holman, who was signed on a pre-contract agreement from AZ Alkmaar by previous manager Alex McLeish, made 16 Premier League starts under Lambert during the first half of the season. However, since being selected in the starting XI for the mid-January defeat to Southampton, he has been limited to three substitute appearances.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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