Paul Lambert faced reporters in his pre-match press conference ahead of West Ham.

Please find below the collected best bits from his preview with the media .

Click here to watch the FULL television briefing with Lambert on AVTV.

Q] Have you been pleased with pre-season?

A] Yes. There have been some things that we've done really well and other things we can look at. The general attitude of the team has been very, very good.

Q] What do you expect from West Ham?

A] A really tough game. They will be vibrant because they've been promoted, even though a lot of the lads have played in the Barclays Premier League before. We will be going into a cauldron tomorrow and we have to stand up to it and not be frightened by it.

Q] What do you say before the lads go out?

A] I'll say what is in my own head at that moment. The lads are the ones who play the game and we will try everything we can to win.

Q] Can you see the buzz?

A] You can sense that players are going to be ready for it or not when you go to the stadium. We have to come out the blocks really quickly and try and get the right result.

Q Easier playing newly-promoted side first game?

A] I don't think there is any easy game going whether they are promoted or a Manchester United. It will be really, really hard but we will go there and try and win.

Q] Apprehension or anticipation?

A] I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait for the competitive games to start - the atmosphere, the adrenaline rush and trying to win as many games as we can. That's what we will try and do. It is new for myself and the backroom staff that came. This is our first game in earnest and we will try and win.

Q] Are you ready or would you have wanted an extra couple of weeks?

A] Time will tell. We have to hit the ground running and that is what we will try and do. You have to be ready. There is no turning back now. You are in it and have to be ready for it.

Q] Shay Given international decision a good one for Villa?

A] I think 125 caps is a remarkable number for any international team and he has had an unbelievable career with Ireland. What else can he achieve on that front? He has probably made the right decision.

Q] Captain?

A] I know who will do it in my own head.

Q] Do they know yet?

A] No.

Q] Excited about the new season?

A] I can't wait now. I'm glad the new season is upon us. That is for sure. It's been a long pre-season and I can't wait to get going. It's a huge club and we will do everything we can to try and do well.

Q] Why gone Dutch with signings?

A] There is a different mindset. I saw the two lads play last season and I thought they were very good. I think they will do great for us. I thought they could do a job for us and that's why I decided to bring them.

Q] Opposition an unknown proposition?

A] I've never been to Upton Park. The difference to Norwich is we came from League One very quickly and never really knew the Premier League and were fantastic when we went to Wigan on the first day last year. There was a newness to us. West Ham, some of their players have played in the Premier League and Sam has been used to it for years and years. We will give it a go and West Ham will do the same. It is a really tough game for us.

Q] New club coming up, get caught out if not careful?

A] You could but Sam has been a brilliant manager and knows how to get the best out of them and they've done great to get out of the Championship. It's a really tough league. We are going to go there and try and win, not to try and settle for a draw.

Q] Any more signings needed?

A] Everyone looks for players. We never stop looking. If anything can happen, it will happen but we've still got a fortnight or so to go. We will see what is going to happen.

Q] Robbie Savage tipping Villa for relegation?

A] I never saw it until this morning. I don't bother with it to be honest. I have my own thoughts. Listen, Robbie is entitled to his opinion but wait and see.

Q] What can Villa fans expect this season?

A] We will try and win as many games as we can. We are going to need the crowd, we are a young team, but we will give it everything we've got. We will give it a right go and see if we can do well.

Q] Happy with amount of waves for the crowd?

A] That's only because we haven't played a real game! The crowd have been great. They really have! It makes you humble because people seem happy that you are here but I know I have to try and get results but we will give it a right good go. We will make mistakes like everyone else, because they are young, and if the crowd stick with it, we will be alright. One wave per half will be fine [laughs].

Q] Injuries?

A] Brett Holman is fine. It was a precaution he came off. Gabby, Marc and Richard are still out but Brett is okay.

Q] Stephen Ireland, fans player of the season, how good a season can he have?

A] He is a really talented footballer. From the day I walked in here, I thought he is a talented footballer. For some strange reason, he has found it difficult here the last couple of years. It is up to me to get the best out of him to see if he can perform. But he is a really talented footballer.

Q] If Darren Bent and Stephen Ireland fire, that would be a good partnership?

A] You look at the two names and careers they have had, and they are big, big players. We have to try and utilise them the best we can but Stephen is definitely a talented player.

Click here to watch the FULL television briefing with Lambert on AVTV.