Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has defended his decision to not start Darren Bent in the 2-0 loss against Tottenham.

The former Norwich boss insisted that he will not pick players on reputations alone, as the team is of paramount importance.

Despite the England striker scoring the vital equaliser against West Brom last week, he was kept out of the starting XI by Belgian international Christian Benteke.

The selection certainly seemed up for debate, when the former Genk star missed a golden opportunity to head Villa back into the game in the second half.

Lambert explained the decision by adding that he picked his recent £7 million acquisition because he provided him with a “different option”, according to Sky Sports.

He also went on to say that the England ace was accepting of his decision, stating “Darren has been fine about it”.

Next up for Villa is a trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in the Premier League on 20th October.