Lambert & Bent at crisis point

The Aston Villa dressing room is a fractured environment according to club insiders.  Manager, Paul Lambert and fan's favourite, Darren Bent, have such a fractured relationship that the latter could be forced to leave in January.

Bent is still furious that prior to his injury Lambert employed him from the bench.  The Aston Villa striker, who regularly attracts the attention of rival Premier League clubs, is looking for assurances that he plays a key part in Lambert's plans.

Although facing a late fitness test to be ready for tomorrow's visit of Arsenal, Bent is keen to get his season back on track.

Lambert has previously denied any rift claiming he has to rotate players, however reports from inside the club paint a darker picture.  Bent was livid to be left on the bench against Swindon in late October and has reportedly, this week, left Lambert in no doubt as to what he expects.

A number of Premier League clubs remain on high alert should the stand-off continue between the £24m striker and his manager.