Aston Villa manager, Paul Lambert has defended Nigel Adkins against speculation linking him with the sack at Southampton. Sky Sports reports.

Adkins has led Saints to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League and Lambert feels the criticism is unjustified.

He said: "It's getting a bit silly now. With what he's done for them, and when it's only four games into the season, I think it's a bit ridiculous. But football is like that - you just never know what's around the corner.”

The south coast side are currently bottom of the Premier League, conceding 14 goals in four games-including six away at Arsenal and face Lambert’s Aston Villa side at St Mary’s tomorrow.

The Scot is more than aware of the pressures at top-flight management, as Villa lost their opening two games against West Ham and Everton, but have since bounced back with a draw at Newcastle and a win over Swansea.

"The Premier League is an unforgiving division. Every game is hard, whoever you are playing. It doesn't matter if it's a side in the top six or bottom six. It's a hard, hard league", he added.