Lambert unconcerned by reputations

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he will pick his side on form and ability, not on reputations and price tags.

A number of Villa's fringe players put in impressive performances in their midweek Capital One Cup win over Manchester City as Lambert made changes following the 4-1 Premier League defeat at Southampton. Lambert insists reputations count for nothing as far as he is concerned and the Villa boss wants all his players to compete for a starting spot. "I'll decide (who will play) when I know who's fit. Everyone's in same boat, I don't have any favourites. I have a group of players whom I trust, no matter who I play," said Lambert. "It doesn't matter to me who's worth what. It's about who performs on a given day or is performing. The team is more important than any individual. That's always the case and we have to get a winning team." Gabriel Agbonlahor grabbed a brace against City and will compete with Darren Bent and Christian Benteke for a starting spot when West Brom visit on Sunday and Lambert wants all of his players to battle for a place in the starting XI. He added: "You try to generate competition for everybody, not just among the strikers, but among the midfielders, even on the bench. "You have to create that vibe that, if you don't perform, then there's somebody there. That's the only way you can get the best out of people. "As long as they stick together, because everybody will get used, then if they buy into that you won't go far wrong."