Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has suggested that the players who have returned to the club recently will be given an opportunity to earn a spot in the team this season.

Darren Bent scored twice for Villa in a victory over Mansfield Town on Thursday in his first appearance since a loan spell at Fulham came to an end. Lambert claims that the striker, Alan Hutton and Charles N'Zogbia, who missed last season with an Achilles problem, are all currently in his plans.

"It's out in the open what's happening, everyone's clear about the situation at the club," the Villa boss told reporters. "I've always known they have been good players. The lads have been brilliant.

"Darren has worked ever so hard, Alan is the same, and Charles has come back from a year out injured. There are some major positives."

Bent has been linked with Newcastle United this summer.