Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has told Sunderland they have the best man for the job in Martin O'Neill.

Lambert still calls his former Celtic boss "gaffer" while match-winner Gabriel Agbonlahor credits O'Neill with launching his career.

"Sunderland have the best guy in charge," said Lambert. "I would have absolutely no worries that he will turn it around.

"I know that because I played under him for five years.

"I know exactly what he's like and the highest compliment I can pay him is that he and Ottmar Hitzfeld are the best managers I've had."