Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists there's no rift with goal scorer Darren Bent after their 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion.

Bent came off the substitutes' bench to score the equaliser in the 1-1 derby draw with West Brom at Villa Park.

The England striker admitted it has been a difficult couple of weeks having also lost his England spot and the Villa captaincy, to Ron Vlaar.

But, when asked if Bent was upset, Lambert said: "No, he was great. There was no problem. I just named the team and that's the team I picked.

"It was a world-class substitution! I need everyone, it's a collective thing, I never look at individuals. The goal was brilliant, it was a world-class finish.

"He was fine at full-time. I spoke to him in the dressing room as well. He was totally fine, totally, no problem, none."

Lambert added: "Everyone is as important as anyone else. I explained the captaincy thing was to do (let him focus on) what he did there - to score. That's the only reason I did it.

"I need everyone. If we can keep the collective thing and have the crowd with us, we'll be fine."