Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has insisted that Joe Cole has signed with the club to prove that he still has the ability to compete in the Premier League.

Cole found himself a regular fixture on the substitutes' bench at previous club West Ham United, but after signing a two-year deal with Villa, Lambert believes that the former England international will thrive on the responsibility of playing in a younger side.

The 44-year-old told the club's official website: "Joe's not in it for the money, he simply wants to play to prove that he's still a top professional in the Premier League, which he's always been.

"He'll thrive on the responsibility here. He's someone who has always stepped up to the plate. That's inherent in his character and he's the type of character that we need."

Cole joins Swiss defender Philippe Senderos in moving to Villa Park as Lambert looks to improve on a 15th-place finish last season.