Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists they can overcome the 'Paolo di Canio factor' tonight against Sunderland.

Lambert has told his players to block out the hype surrounding Sunderland's new boss ahead of their relegation battle.

"The manager can only help so much," he said. "If you concentrate on the good things we've been doing of late, it doesn't matter who's standing in the dugout.

"The players are the ones who play the game. They are the most important people."