Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert admits concerns coming up against the giants of Stoke City.

SEVEN of the 10 outfield players who drew with QPR last week were under 6ft and Lambert admits that could leave him with a giant-sized headache against a giant Potters side.

At 6ft 3in, striker Christian Benteke is the only real physical threat and Lambert said: "Christian is good but he can't pick up nine of them.

"We have to cope with it. We have to use our own strength and try to get the ball down.

"We aren't too bad at that. In our last seven matches only the two Manchester clubs have beaten us.

"We've been unfairly criticised because we are young. But we are doing just fine."