Paul Lambert has revealed that he is confident that Ron Vlaar will agree a new contract at Aston Villa.

The defender, who has 18 months left on his current deal, is likely to spend this summer at the 2014 World Cup with the Netherlands, and Lambert believes that keeping the former Feyenoord player is key.

"His form this year has been really good. Going to the World Cup is a big carrot for him. I'm pretty sure it'll take care of itself. Going into the last year you have to look at it," Lambert told The Mirror.

"When's not played it's been a bit of a blow because he gives us that balance. He has adjusted to the pace of the Premier League this season. That's been the big thing."

Vlaar recently claimed that he is "happy" with Villa's form this season.