Darren Bent: Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert stands by omission
Last updated on .From the section Football
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he has "no problem whatsoever" with Darren Bent after omitting the club's record signing from the matchday squad.
The £24m forward was in the stands for the 1-0 win over Reading at Villa Park in Tuesday's Premier League encounter.
"Darren Bent just has to play well and train well," said the Villa manager.
"He has a future, everybody has. I've got nothing against anybody in the club, I've got 25 lads to look after. I don't have any problem with anybody."
When asked by BBC Sport's Pat Murphy, Lambert denied Bent had left Villa Park after finding out he was not on the teamsheet, before being coaxed back to the ground.
"I just read the team out - there is nothing whatsoever in that," he said.
"I've got a football club to try to look after. I'm delighted for the team - we won the game."
Bent, bought in January 2011 by then Villa manager Gerard Houllier, has made nine league appearances so far this season - three as substitute - and has scored twice.
The England striker, 28, was omitted from last weekend's squad to face Arsenal and has had to play a minor role of late with Lambert preferring Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor up front.
The former Norwich boss started with 21-year-old Belgian Benteke alongside Andreas Weimann and Agbonlahor against Reading.
And Benteke settled the outcome against Reading 10 minutes from time when he rose above Sean Morrison to head in.
"He's done fantastic for me. He was up against a big lad. It was a fantastic header," added Lambert.
"Bent and Benteke can play together - they did against Southampton. We got beat 4-1.
"I've got to pick a team I think will win. It's my decision and it's always going to be the case."
Villa's third league win of the season lifted them out of the relegation zone and left Reading second from bottom - four points from safety.
Reading manager Brian McDermott said his side's league position was not a fair reflection of their current form.
"I thought we were going to nick the game," he told BBC Sport.
"We had a couple of good opportunities in the first half, and then Adam Le Fondre had a chance after the break.
"It's an unforgiving league, we know that. We have to stick together. We all have to keep going as a group . We don't feel we've had our rewards, but that'll come our way."
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Its plain economics. The current market value is £12m. If Villa play him now, then Sunderland will get half of that fee.
2005–2007 Charlton Athletic 68 (31)
2007–2009 Tottenham Hotspur 60 (18)
2009–2011 Sunderland 58 (32)
2011– Aston Villa 47 (20)
you simply can't have him on the bench - anyone that doesn't rate Bent must not watch football - @Alan overpaid prima donna that scores - what team wouldn't want a player that scores goals! bizarre!
Houllier hit he panic button and spent 20mill + on a luxury tap in specialist. Lambert is building a young hard working side at Villa and "Benty" is set for another move.
Lambert said he wants to pick a team he thinks will win. I believe that's what he's doing. Forget price tags or experience. I trust his judgment.
well done to lambert for not picking him cos off his SUPPOSED £24m price tag as he his no where near he best striker villa have got
keep him out if you wanna stay up villa
In the meantime he is showing the future of Villa that he takes no prisoners reputation wise. He is also showing great faith in the young squad and has got them trying to play football.
please note We do not want this Sick Note at Anfield !!
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Because 30,000+ people turn up each home game to watch their team and pay his salary. Do you understand football at all?
Did we really get value from the sales off Downing Milner and Young.
Seriously??!! You got £20m for Downing and hes bobbins, and you got £30m for Milner. What more do you want?? World record fees for these guys?? Blimey......