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Paul Lambert insists there are no hard feelings among his former outcasts after disbanding Aston Villa’s infamous ‘Bomb Squad’.

Lambert pledged a clean slate this summer with the Midlands club up for sale and Alan Hutton is now poised for his first-ever competitive start under the Scot.

After taking charge two years ago amid financial cut-backs, Lambert froze out several big-earning stars.

Right-back Hutton was axed as soon as Lambert arrived, but he and fit-again Charles N’Zogbia are likely to play at Stoke on Saturday - and striker Darren Bent is also available after returning from loan at Fulham.

(Image: Neville Williams)

Lambert insisted: “I have never had any cross words with any of the lads and they haven’t been one ounce of bother. They have been great, training hard and their performances in pre-season have vindicated that.

“They have been good pros and Alan has been excellent in pre-season. You can’t fault him for the way he has been playing. The three of them are in the reckoning for Saturday.

“As soon as a player goes over that white line then they are ready. They just want to get going now like everyone else and stop the friendlies.”

Lambert confirmed defender Ron Vlaar is “ready” to play at Stoke despite the Dutchman not starting a friendly since his return from the World Cup.

But Lambert could offer no assurances about keeping the centre-back long-term with his contract up next summer.

He added: “I have a good rapport with Ron but I am not sure there is loyalty in football any more, we will have to wait and see, it is up to himself.”

Lambert also said he still hoped to buy Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez but admitted a move for Swansea’s Ki Sung-Yueng was dead.

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