Former Borussia Dortmund boss Ottmar Hitzfeld has hailed the appointment of Paul Lambert as the new manager of Aston Villa.

Lambert, who won the Champions League under Hitzfeld during his time at the Westfalenstadion, was named Villans boss earlier this week after the departure of former manager Alex McLeish.

"Paul thought like a coach," Hitzfeld told The Mirror. "He was a leader. I have followed his career since.

"What was most critical was that Paul was a good teammate. That is one of the most important qualities as a coach and manager of a team.

"Paul was responsible for keeping a good mood in the dressing room before a game, and after a defeat he was one of those who knew how to address a situation or problem."

The former Norwich boss leaves Carrow Road after three seasons in charge.