Admiring Lambert stresses Hoolahan a Norwich player

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has spoken of his admiration for Ireland’s Wes Hoolahan — but stressed the midfielder is Norwich’s player.

Reports over the last few days have suggested Villa are interested in signing Hoolahan and that the Republic of Ireland international is keen on a move.

Canaries chief executive David McNally emphasised on Wednesday that they had not received transfer requests from any of their squad members, adding that they had no intention of releasing any “senior players”.