Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert remains happy with his young central defensive pairing.

For defeat at West Bromwich Albion, Ron Vlaar returned as a late substitute after a thigh problem but Lambert insisted his skipper is not guaranteed a place after the form of Jores Okore and Ciaran Clark.

He said: "The really pleasing thing is that Okore had 14 months out and is coming in like this, and Ciaran looks outstanding.

"I think he has always been up and down but playing the way he is is the best I've seen him. They look good as a pair, they have a good understanding. Sometimes you stumble on things and these two lads have been absolutely fantastic. Ron will see himself the two lads have been great, but it is good to have Ron back and pushing again."