Former Aston Villa boss John Gregory reckons Paul Lambert has targeted impressionable players to mould because it is hard to change the habits of seasoned old pros.

Gregory believes the manager has recruited from the lower leagues and overseas in order to totally stamp his mark at Bodymoor Heath and Villa Park.

Lambert has tried to bed in Christian Benteke, Ashley Westwood, Joe Bennett and Jordan Bowery ahead of this weekend’s home match against Swansea.

Greogry admits it is a process which will take time but the former claret and blue gaffer still expects Villa to achieve a mid-table finish this season.

“When Paul came into the Barclays Premier League with Norwich, he’d been with the club for two years previous,” said Gregory. “He had shaped Norwich. He had put his own stamp on Norwich.

“When he arrived in the top flight every player knew what their job was on the field. They had been doing it incessantly for two years.

“They’d had Paul in their earholes telling them what he wants and he expects. They knew what was required.

“These guys, they are just learning. Paul has been only been at Villa for about ten weeks. It takes time to change people – their habits. It will take a little time to bed in.

“I think he has brought in young players because he can still change their habits.

‘‘It’s tough when you bring in old pros, at 29, 30, to make them think differently or act differently. But he’s brought in young and hungry players who will learn what Paul wants of them.”