Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has insisted that he has no problems with Darren Bent after he dropped the striker for the derby against West Bromwich Albion.

Bent admitted that he was "disappointed" to be left out of the side, claiming that he had not spoken to Lambert about his decision.

However, the former Norwich boss is adamant that he has a good relationship with his forward, calling him a "natural goal scorer" after he came on to score in the game against West Brom.

"I don't have a problem with Darren, I don't need to raise it. I'm not giving him the silent treatment," said Lambert.

"I think that, with Gabby [Agbonlahor] scoring two at Man City, what it does is it gives you a problem. To be fair to Darren, he came on and it was an absolutely brilliant finish. He is a natural goal scorer.

"I don't have any problem. Some of the best players in the world have been left out. I need everybody as it is a really long, tough season."

Aston Villa face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane this Sunday.