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Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert will stand by under-performing Tom Cleverley despite the growing grumbles from the Villa Park crowd.

Fans once again cheered when he was substituted in the defeat to Chelsea on Saturday after a performance which they felt was below-par.

Lambert admitted that it wasn’t nice to hear but stressed that the on-loan Manchester United midfielder will remain a big part of his plans.

He also denied that Cleverley must be played every week as part of his loan terms.

Can you spot yourself in the Villa Park crowd against Chelsea?

When asked whether there was an agreement with United about naming the 25-year-old in the starting line-up providing he was fit, Lambert replied:

“No, no way. It’s nothing like that.

“I don’t judge someone on whether they are on loan or not.

“I try to pick a team that I think will win the game. That’s all I ever do. I don’t pick it for any other way."

Much was expected of Cleverley when he arrived at the start of September but so far he hasn’t managed to hit top form.

He’s still yet to assist or score a goal but Lambert continued to stand by him.

While Carlos Sanchez and Ashley Westwood have both been dropped to the bench in recent weeks, Cleverley has remained in the team.

Lambert seemed to agree that he isn’t playing as well as he should be, but stressed that it wasn’t down to a lack of confidence.

“Your confidence goes when you don’t want to take the ball - but Tom does,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s that at all.

“Maybe he’s trying too hard. That can sometimes go against you.

“But he keeps on going.

“Tom is one of the guys who never hides from the ball.

“I’ll never criticise anybody for looking for the ball if they make a mistake.

“It’s the same with Carlos Sanchez. As long as you don’t hide, that’s important.

“Tom never hides. He tries to give it everything he has got.

“He wants to do well here."

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Reflecting on the reaction from the crowd - it wasn’t the first time this term that Cleverley’s withdrawal has been cheered - Lambert added:

“Sometimes that’s part and parcel of football.

“It’s not nice to hear.

“There was wee spell where he gave the ball away a few times in quick succession.

“But other than that I thought he had a decent game (against Chelsea) especially in the second half.”