Paul Lambert avoids Darren Bent snub explanation

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has yet to offer any clarity on why striker Darren Bent continues to be left out of the squad.

The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour at Villa Park, with Christian Benteke emerging as the preferred option for Lambert. However, the Scottish boss has insisted that Bent's omission is not related to his efforts in training.

"It's not about not putting it in [in training]," said Lambert. "I see what goes on in training for everybody, you've got 20-odd guys that are in the same boat.

"I think the team that I pick will be the team that will try to win us the game. I've always done it, I see what happens in training, what happens in games so that's what I do."

Villa take on Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.