Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert believes Joe Cole can prove West Ham wrong in allowing his to walk away from the Boleyn.

Thirty-two-year old Joe was allowed to walk away on a free at the end of the season and is in line to make his home debut for Villa against Newcastle tomorrow after overcoming a thigh knock picked up in training.

With a big point to prove Lambert said of Joe: “He has shown he wants to compete at the highest level and that’s great.

“I know exactly what Joe is capable of. If you can keep him fit, then you have a real top player on your hands.”