Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has hit out at reports calling for the sacking of Southampton boss Nigel Adkins.

The Liverpool-born coach has come under pressure in the last few weeks as the Saints have yet to pick up a point in the Premier League since the season began on August 18.

"It's getting a bit silly now," said Lambert. "With what he's done for them, and when it's only four games into the season, I think it's a bit ridiculous."

Villa come up against the newly-promoted side tomorrow.