Paul Lambert to blood youngsters

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has included a trio of unproven summer signings in his squad for tomorrow's home clash against Swansea City.

Midfielder Ashley Westwood, 22, and striker Jordan Bowery, 21, who arrived in August from Crewe Alexandra and Chesterfield Town respectively, both have yet to sample competitive football inside of England's top two divisions.

Meanwhile, defender Joe Bennett made 92 senior appearances for former club Middlesbrough, however the 22-year-old has just 45 minutes of top-flight experience under his belt.

"The Premier League is unforgiving," said Lambert. "The opportunity is there for them, now they have to go and do it. You have to have someone who has the belief in you to give you that opportunity.

"The important thing is they have miles on the clock in terms of playing football. If you play a couple of hundred Championship or League One games, then you know they have played men's football. It is not as if the lads have come from academy football and are playing against lads of their own age. They have played against hardened, seasoned pros.

"It is a school of hard knocks which I think is important. They've had to learn their trade and they've played at a young age which indicates they can handle it. They just need that opportunity to prove they can do it at a higher level."

Villa failed to score in both of their league meetings with the Swans last season.