Lambert could do without FA Cup

Lambert will take his side into Saturday's third-round tie against League One Sheffield United with a brutally honest message with regard to his side's priorities.

Asked whether most of his fellow managers would prefer to avoid the prestigious competition completely, Lambert told BBC Radio WM: "If they were being honest, they probably would do."

Lambert added: "Not just because of the money but survival in the league is vital.

"It is realistic. That is the nature of it. If anyone says any differently then I am not so sure they will be telling the truth because the Premier League is the most vital thing that anyone wants to get into and we are no different."

Lambert is adamant his main priority is to lift VIlla away from the Barclays Premier League relegation zone having moved six points clear with Wednesday's 1-0 win at Sunderland.

But he insisted his list of priorities did not mean he would not be going into the clash against the Blades eager to book a place in the next round.

Lambert added: "Cup competitions, if you can get through, then absolutely I want to get through. I don't want to not get through but your main one is the league.

"We don't have a massive squad and points are really important. If you are honest enough people will say the same."

Source : PA

Source: PA