Joe Cole hungry for success at Aston Villa, says Paul Lambert

Joe Cole still has the “hunger” to succeed at the top level, according to Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert.

The 32-year-old midfielder joined the Villains on a two-year deal earlier this summer after being released by West Ham United.

If he can perform the way I know he can then we have got a really good player on our hands

Paul Lambert

And Lambert is sure that the former England international can have a big impact at Villa Park next season.

“As soon as you start to lose the fire from your stomach as a footballer there’s no point,” said Lambert.

“He still wants to do really well and he’s still hungry to do really well. That’s a sign of a top, top player.

“If you have still got the attributes at that age that you had when you were 16 or 17 starting out, you will not go far wrong. He can make things happen.

“If he can perform the way I know he can then we have got a really good player on our hands.”