Alex McLeish has emerged as an unlikely claret and blue hero... for bringing in man-of-the-moment Brett Holman.

The former Villa and Blues manager endured a troubled spell in charge at Villa Park and was sacked in the summer after a dismal Premier League campaign.

His replacement, Paul Lambert, has made changes this term in a bid to fire the club back up the table.

And he believes his predecessor deserves credit for convincing Holman to move to the Midlands and take on the challenge of the English top flight.

“If Alex McLeish scouted him then it’s great credit to him because he’s doing great for the club,” said Lambert. “I don’t know if he had offers from the Premier League before, he might have done.

“Maybe teams did go in for him, I’m not so sure. But Aston Villa are fortunate to have him.”

The Australian international has been one of the stand-out performers this season since his move from AZ Alkmaar.

After taking the Dutch league by storm, Holman decided England was the perfect destination to further his career and he has not looked out of place since his arrival. Lambert has started the 28-year-old in all but one of Villa’s league fixtures so far and the only thing missing from his game is a goal to reward his performances. But the manager is not concerned he is yet to find the scoresheet and is convinced there is plenty more to come.

“Brett has done great, he’s got energy to burn and I’m really happy with the way he’s playing,” added Lambert.

“He’s been brilliant, he’s a top lad as well. If he keeps going the way he’s going he’ll have a really good season. He’s got a great desire and a great enthusiasm for the game.”