Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has backed Carlos Sanchez to become a "really big player" for the club.

The Colombia international midfielder joined Villa from Elche in the summer, but he has struggled to make an impact during his first few months in the Midlands.

However, Lambert is confident that the 28-year-old will only get better the more that he plays in the Premier League.

"He's going to be a really big player for Aston Villa," the Scot told the club's official website. "The good thing about Carlos is that he never hides from anything.

"I don't mind him making mistakes providing he never hides from it. He wants the ball all the time and even if he makes a mistake he's ready to get it back.

"He's only been in this country for a short time and he still needs to adapt, but I believe in him. There's no problems whatsoever from me."

Sanchez's contract at Villa Park is due to end in 2018.