By Dan Harrison

Paul Lambert is adamant he will not let standards drop in pre-season training as his claret and blue troops aim to hit the ground running this term.

Lambert and his coaches are set to put the squad through their paces at PPL Park in today ahead of Wednesday night's clash against MLS side Philadelphia Union.

The Villa boss has given an insight into his training ground style, revealing he prefers to have a watching brief by observing from the sidelines.

But he is not afraid to step in if he feels standards have dropped.

"Everyone is on their best behaviour at first so it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case," said the manager.

"It's normal and it's hard to sustain that after one or two weeks, but you have to sustain it.

"If I don't think the standards are up to mine then I'll step in and let them know.

"I'm never in anybody's face really. I watch it and then if I think the standard is not what it should be I'll step in.

"But in my time in management I've never had a problem with that.

"I don't anticipate a problem with that either, I'm pretty sure the lads will be raring to go when the season starts."

Lambert did his homework on the Villa squad by watching DVDs before their return to pre-season training.

But the Scotsman insists he will make judgements based on what he sees on the training pitch.

"I watched numerous games on DVD and spoke to some people about individuals," he said.

"Now I'm judging with my own eyes and that's what I'll go with.

"If you play to your best and try your hardest to win games of football then I'll never have a problem.

"I don't think it's about impressing me. I already had a rough idea about what they can do because I've watched numerous games of them.

"There is still newness about things and as a footballer there is some trepidation - you don't know what to expect from a new manager.

"As long as everybody works hard and enjoys the game that's all I am asking.

"If you get in that way of thinking with a manager then there's not a problem."

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