By Paul Brown

Paul Lambert is ready to send Ron Vlaar and Ciaran Clark out for battle at West Ham, with a glowing endorsement of the pair ringing in their ears.

Lambert says it took just five minutes for him to realise Vlaar was a "proper man" and someone he wanted in his side while he believes Clark is "getting better every day."

Vlaar and Clark look set to partner each other in the centre of defence at Upton Park and Lambert thinks they complement each other well.

He said: "I watched Ron last season and thought 'you're a proper man!'

"He had a young kid playing alongside him and Ron struck me as someone who would help him, not just look after his own game.

"When I first met him, I knew within five minutes what type of guy he was.

"I just think he'll be brilliant for Aston Villa. I really do. I think he'll be a great signing.

"He's got a real desire to succeed. I think he'll become a big favourite here. He's a great player.

"I think Ciaran is going to be a really top player. He's only a young kid but I think that guy is going to have a really big future. I think Ciaran is getting better every day.

"Sometimes I forget how young he is because he's played the main games in pre-season for me. But I think he will be one hell of a centre-half.

"Ron and Ciaran have been playing in the last couple of games together. I think they complement each other pretty well at the minute, which is good."

Lambert revealed Vlaar is a definite candidate for the captaincy but will make a decision on who receives the armband on the eve of the Hammers clash.

He added: "There's one or two there that I think can do it. There are still a few days to go.

"Stiliyan obviously will keep the club captaincy. I think that's only right.

"Regarding the on-pitch captain, I still have a few days to decide what I'm actually going to do. But a captain is vital to any club."

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