Aston Villa coach Gordon Cowans is delighted manager Paul Lambert is giving his young players their chance.

Cowans, who has coached most of the young starlets breaking in to the team at Villa Park, reckons Lambert is getting things right so far with the Midlanders.

He told talkSPORT: "Right from day one when the manager came to the club he's got on top of the players. He's got them doing things properly, working very hard and we're definitely going in the right direction. We're playing some great football as well and you can't ask for anymore.

"It is going to be tough and obviously the situation we're in at the minute is not a great situation but everyone is being very positive about it. The supporters are right behind the manager. There is no moaning and groaning going on. This man [Paul Lambert] needs time and I'm sure he's going to get it right.

"I think some of the [youngsters] are ready, definitely, but you need some experience around them as well because at the moment there are a lot of young lads in that side but with plenty of ability.

"I thought [against Arsenal] they did themselves proud. They played really well and might have nicked a win.

"The January window is coming up and hopefully the manager will get some backing in that and be allowed to bring in a couple of players or maybe more in. If he can do that I think we're going to be fine."