By Paul Brown in Chicago

Darren Bent says the entire dressing room is "buying into Paul Lambert's ideas and tactics" as the pre-season programme continues apace in USA.

Villa face Fire at 7.30pm Saturday US Time/1.30am Sunday UK Time.

And on the eve of the second game of the USA Tour, Bent took time out to hail the new gaffer who he says has been "fantastic" to work with.

Bent admits he's now relishing the start of the new campaign.

He said: "He's been fantastic with me, the new gaffer. He spoke to me, told me what he expects as the norm, and what he wants me to do.

"I know straight away all the boys in the dressing room are buying into his ideas and his tactics and we're all pulling in the same direction.

"I've been so excited about pre-season and I couldn't wait to play because obviously I've been out for a long, long time.

"I've still got to get the sharpness fully back, but it is exciting working under a new manager and coming back and starting again and I can't wait for the new season to start."

Don't miss out on Paul Lambert's Villa Park debut against Everton - click here.