Paul Lambert in bid to end ‘heartache’

Manager Paul Lambert believes Aston Villa’s Capital One Cup run is helping to make amends to fans who have endured “two years of heartache”.

During that time, the club’s fortunes have nose-dived and Lambert has put the accent on youth – the average age of the squad is less than 24.

Although Villa are facing a relegation battle, there have been signs of improvement and a four-game unbeaten league run was followed by Tuesday’s 4-1 win at Norwich to secure a place in the Capital One Cup semi-finals.