Fabian Delph says Aston Villa's players are responding to new manager Paul Lambert.

The 22-year-old midfielder reckons the arrival of four new players, and Lambert's fresh passing philosophy, has given the players a spring in their step.

"The signings that we've made so far have definitely strengthened the squad and it's probably the best pre-season I've been involved in," Delph told the Birmingham Mail.

"I'm only young but it's the best one I've been in so far and everybody seems to be fired up.

"The way we set up to play football from the back to the front through the middle is really good and I think it will set us in stead for the start of the season.

"Defensively we've always been strong, but last season was a bit difficult for us.

"We've set out a different way. It's always better to be working hard with the ball rather than without it.

"It seems a lot easier when you've got the ball and we're all happy and we're all raring to go."