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Ciaran Clark could be used as an emergency central midfielder as Paul Lambert tries to solve Aston Villa's deepening selection crisis.

The Villa boss will be without Tom Cleverley, Kieran Richardson and Ashley Westwood this weekend meaning that the centre-half may be asked to cover in their absence.

In-form Clark has been immense in recent times alongside Jores Okore but with captain Ron Vlaar returning the battle at the back is hotting up.

Lambert may opt for a three-man defence or play Clark in an advanced role that he has occupied before, possibly alongside Carlos Sanchez and Fabian Delph.

He admits he is keen to avoid the latter, though.

“I know Ciaran has done it in the past,” he said.

“It’s not something I would disregard because I know he can do it.

“And if I asked Ciaran I’m sure he would step up to the plate and do it. But hopefully it’s not something I have to visit.

“He’s a strong lad but he’s playing really well at centre half.

“Jores and him seem to compliment each other.

“Ciaran is a British style centre-back and strong but he’s comfortable on the ball too.”

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In the past Lambert has dismissed the idea of playing Clark in midfield by insisting that he is much better suited in defence.

His feelings haven’t changed too much but a scenario could arise where he has to call on the 25-year-old to step up.

While Clark would prefer to stay at centre-half - his best and most favoured position - he has helped out over the years in various other roles including at left-back.

One would think his displays of late would be enough to retain his place for another week, at least, especially as his partnership with Okore appears to be blossoming.

When asked if he was happy how well the Danish defender has taken to the Premier League, Lambert added:

“Perhaps the fact he had a long time to watch the game while he was injured might have helped him.

“If he had gone in straight away would he be playing as well as he is now? It’s hard to say. Maybe his time out gave him that time to adjust to the game here.

“Not that you’d wish that on him – but his knee injury did happen.”

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