Lambert wants cup success

Paul Lambert insists it "won't be for lack of trying" if he fails at Villa as he swaps a Premier League survival battle for League Cup action.

Villa caused one of the upsets of the previous round when they overcame Premier League champions Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

Now it will be their turn to be favourites when they travel to take on League One promotion contenders Swindon on Tuesday evening.

But Lambert will give the game the same attention as if playing Villa were playing one of the leading sides and is desperate to bring some joy to the club's success-starved fans.

Lambert said: "The response to a defeat against Southampton the previous weekend in beating Manchester City in the previous round at their place was brilliant.

"But that's gone now. It's another tough game we are facing on Tuesday

"It's not going to be a foregone conclusion. I've been there a few times with Norwich."

Lambert has been happy with Villa's overall performances despite one win in nine league games representing their worst start to a campaign for 43 years.

On Saturday they showed great determination to hold on for a point against his former club Norwich.

He said: "I'm not going to give marks out of 10 for how we've done but I'm happy with the way we are playing.

"Within the group, we believe in what we are doing. We are not too disappointed with our play. We'd like more points but I'm not too disheartened with the way I'm playing.

"Okay, results aren't what we would have liked but I get the sense people want us to do well which is important.

"The fans want us to do well and it's a huge club. We'll give it a right good go to succeed.

"It won't be for a lack of trying on my part."

Lambert has hinted he will make some changes at the County Ground with keeper Shay Given in contention to play after returning to the side in the previous round.

But no-one can argue that Lambert's decision to install Brad Guzan as number one between the posts has been unjustified.

The United States international returned to the club on a three-year deal after initially leaving during the summer.

He again impressed when making a trio of excellent saves against the Canaries.

Lambert said: "I remembered that Brad had done really well in the middle of last season when Shay was out injured.

"Had Brad left the football club, then we would have had to go and try to bring somebody else in.

"Thankfully he decided to stay after we had a chat in the summer and the two of them (Guzan and Given) are pushing each other."

Villa will be forced into at least one change against Swindon with left-back Joe Bennett suspended after his sending-off for two bookable offences against Norwich.

Lambert confirmed winger Charles N'Zogbia will be sidelined for "some weeks" after suffering knee ligament damage in training on Thursday.