Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert isn't fazed by question marks raised over his perceived snub of Darren Bent for Tuesday's 1-0 win over Reading.
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A second-half header from Christian Benteke, who has flourished up front in Bent's absence, was enough to secure victory for Villa against the Royals.
The England striker was omitted from the matchday squad at Villa Park, with youngster Jordan Bowery preferred among the substitutes.
Many feel Lambert is foolish to overlook the Villans' record signing, but the Scot stands by his selection decisions.
"I do rate Darren but I pick a team I always think will win. I've got 25 guys to look after," he said.
"The most important thing is this club and I'll always make decisions I think are right for this club.
"I'll live and die by them. That's the nature of the beast. I'll always make an honest judgement on who I think should play but I have no problem with Darren, absolutely none."
The midweek result was only Villa's third win of the Premier league season, yet Lambert remains cautiously optimistic about his side's steady improvement.
He added: "It was a big result because we knew the Arsenal game at the weekend would take a lot out of us.
"Reading had also played well against Wigan so knew it would be a tough game.
"But I don't know about it being a six pointer. Never look at things now, look in May."
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