Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is surprised by talk of relegation.

Lambert brushed aside comments from BBC pundit Robbie Savage that Villa will be relegated this season.

He joked that he had seen Savage on a dancing programme but dismissed his prediction, despite the stir it had caused among Villa supporters on the eve of the new season.

"It's a strange thing for him to say," said the Villa boss, "He admitted never having seen the new signings play. I've seen them. I know what they can do.

"Ron Vlaar must be all right if he can get into the Dutch side that was at the European Championship. Karim El Ahmadi is a really good player. I've got no problems with them whatsoever.

"He's entitled to his opinion. But if you are going to make a viable comment, you really need to have seen them play first."