Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says it's too soon to consider new terms for Richard Dunne.

Dunne won't play this season due to a groin injury.

He is among Villa's highest earners and with the club trying to keep a tight rein on their wagebill they are unlikely to sanction a new deal for the veteran defender.

Asked if it was too soon to make a definite decision about Dunne's future, Lambert replied: "Yes, because he main thing for me and for Richard was for him to get himself back to playing the game of football. At the minute he's doing fine with his rehab, really well."