Stephen Ireland's days at Aston Villa appear numbered.

The Sun says Ireland's the former Manchester City midfielder, 26, is training with Villa's kids and was left out of the squad for Sunday's 2-1 win over West Ham.

Ireland last featured in the Capital One Cup semi-final loss to League Two Bradford and owner Randy Lerner could move him on to lower the wage bill.

When asked if Ireland was out injured on Sunday, Lambert said: "No, I just picked a squad."