By Paul Brown

Karim El Ahmadi got to grips with his new claret and blue environment during the opening day of pre-season training and immediately enjoyed a ringing endorsement from manager Paul Lambert.

Lambert was full of praise for his new signing as he took to the fields of Bodymoor Heath in the sparkling sunshine.

Lambert says he has "no worries" about El Ahmadi being a success because he's a "really, really good footballer."

Click here to see a picture gallery of El Ahmadi in training.

Lambert told AVTV: "I think it's great he's in. He's a really good player. It's new for him, a new culture and one I am pretty sure he will grasp pretty quickly.

"He is a very good player and if he can do what I have seen him do, then he will be great for us.

"I have absolutely no worries about him. He's a really, really good footballer which I think we needed.

"The lads need a hand and hopefully Karim will give them that.

"He has come from a huge club himself, playing in big games. The crowd won't faze him.

"The culture won't be dissimilar from Holland either so hopefully he does well. I won't have a problem with him."

El Ahmadi became Lambert's first signing when he arrived from Feyenoord.

The Dutch-born Moroccan international enjoyed a stellar season with the Rotterdam outfit achieving Champions League qualification.

Al Ahmadi got straight into the thick of the action with their new team-mates as the squad took part in a series of fitness exercises and football drills.

Click here to see a picture gallery of El Ahmadi in training.