Ashley Westwood: Backed for an England call by Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is backing Ashley Westwood to follow in the footsteps of his team-mate Fabian Delph in earning an England call-up.

Delph made his international debut in England’s opening European qualifier victory against Switzerland last week and Lambert believes his midfield colleague Westwood should also be on Roy Hodgson’s radar.

Westwood became a mainstay in the Villa starting side last season and has featured in all four of their Premier League matches so far this term.

For the two years I’ve been here Ashley has been so consistent and a lad that doesn’t get talked about because he makes the game look so easy at times. Paul Lambert

Former Leeds United man Delph overcame a nervy start to put in an impressive performance on his England bow and Lambert believes Westwood also has plenty to offer the national team.

“Westy’s a very clever player,” he told reporters. “He goes unnoticed, but it’s up to the England manager.

“It was the same with Fabian Delph who got a chance and didn’t let anyone down.

“For the two years I’ve been here Ashley has been so consistent and a lad that doesn’t get talked about because he makes the game look so easy at times.”

Back in May, defensive midfielder Westwood – a Crewe Alexandra academy graduate – netted in the first minute as Villa beat Hull City 3-1 to ensure they avoided relegation from the Premier League.