Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is excited about the potential of Yacouba Sylla.

Sylla, plucked from France's Ligue 2 in January, was excellent in victory over Sunderland on Monday.

"We needed to try and do something in January," recalled Lambert. "We needed a bit of steel in midfield and managed to get Yacouba.

"He was unknown. But when you bring someone to the club you want them to make an impact and try to do something to help the team.

"Yac has been excellent."

Sylla has managed to make a positive contribution despite not being able to speak the same language as so many of his team-mates, which clearly makes communication difficult.

"He has tried to get a grip of the language, which is important," said Lambert. "But every time I have asked him to perform he has done it.

"And the thing is, he only a kid. He is still learning, which bodes so well for the future."