Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists their dismal season can actually be good for his young players.

Lambert is adamant the chastening experiences of the last two months can actually accelerate the club's development.

"I'm not one to feel sorry for myself," said Lambert. "We are fighting like hell to get out of it. But if they keep playing like that then they will win more games than not, that is for sure. We look a threat going forward. If we keep that, and the drive we have, then hopefully we will get out of it.

"That's all you can ask for. If we can get through this period, we will kick right on. You never stop learning in football, certainly if you're losing. You have to take knocks along the way; it is how you can come back from them that makes you a lot better."