Paul Lambert: 'Tom Cleverley has plenty to offer'

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 02 September 2014

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists that Tom Cleverley has "a lot of good football ahead of him" following the midfielder's loan move from Manchester United.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has claimed that midfielder Tom Cleverley has "a lot of good football ahead of him" following his season-long loan move from Manchester United.

The England international, 25, arrived at Villa Park on Tuesday after enduring a difficult time at Old Trafford in recent months.

Despite having plenty of critics for his lack of style in midfield, Lambert believes that Cleverley still has a lot to offer at the top of the English game.

"Tom brings big-game experience to the club, he's played international football for England and he still has great potential to kick on in his career," the Scot told Villa's official website.

"There's a lot of good football ahead of him if he performs the way we think he can perform and we're delighted to have been able to bring him in to join the group.

"Allied to the players we had brought in already during the window as well as the strong start we've made to the season, this is another good step forward and we want to continue to build on our progress into the season."

Cleverley's only competitive appearance so far this season came during United's 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League on August 24.