Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is convinced the confidence is returning to his players.

Lambert took over at Villa Park in June and they have since won all three of their pre-season ­friendlies, including a 1-0 victory over MLS outfit Chicago Fire on Saturday.

Lambert said: "I think the confidence we're getting from winning games is getting bigger and better.

"Some of the football we played was excellent. We have only been with the lads for a fortnight. It's another win away from home against a good side.

"And I was happy with the clean sheet because it breeds confidence with everybody.

"The lads were throwing their bodies in and defending really strongly."