Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has praised the performances of Republic of Ireland defender Ciaran Clark as the Premier League club face another spell without key man Ron Vlaar.
Vlaar has been ruled out for up to six weeks with injury, with the Dutchman now expected to remain at Villa Park in this transfer window.
The Villa captain limped out of New Year's Day's goalless draw with Crystal Palace with a knee problem and is unlikely to return until the middle of next month.
He is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move from Villa Park but his injury has all but ruled out an early exit.
"You would think so," said Lambert. "We just have to get him back fit.
"He had his scope on Wednesday so maybe it'll be four to six weeks but it's not as bad as it could have been.
"It's the same kind of injury he had at the World Cup, he hurt it and then played in the semi final."
Clark and Jores Okore formed a partnership in Vlaar's absence this season when he had a calf injury and Lambert has no issues throwing them back together.
"The two of them have been outstanding. To be fair to the lads we have the fifth best defensive record in the league and they have been a major part of that," he said, ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Leicester.
"The back four and Guz (Brad Guzan) shows you the cornerstone is pretty strong."
