Agbonlahor was involved in a 50-50 challenge with former Villa team-mate Ashley Young and was dismissed by referee Lee Mason.

But Villa won their appeal after a Football Association Regulatory Commission upheld the claim of wrongful dismissal and he is available for Boxing Day’s trip to Swansea.

Villa boss Lambert said: “It is great for us.

“I said at the time I didn’t think it was a red card and everyone’s assumption was the same.

“Ex-referees have come out and said it wasn’t.

“So your own common sense told you it wasn’t a red card.

“Gabby is playing really well at the minute so we hoped it would be rescinded.

“We are still without a few – Westy (Ashley Westwood), Nathan (Baker), (Philippe) Senderos and (Kieran) Richardson – so we didn’t want another one out. Not one of your big players.”

But Villa have been charged with ’failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion’ by the FA after their protests following Agbonlahor’s red card and have until 6pm on December 30 to respond.

Tom Cleverley missed the game through suspension, although the United loanee was ineligible after his fifth caution of the season in the 1-0 defeat at West Brom.

He is back for the game at the Liberty Stadium and has impressed after signing on loan in the summer and Villa have an option to buy him in January.

And Lambert confirmed he will talk to the England international about his future.

“I have the option to buy in January but I have got him for a season long loan anyway. I would definitely try but a lot will depend on finances,” he said.

“I will have a discussion with Tom and sit with him and see what he thinks. He is still a Manchester United player.

“But the great thing about Tom Cleverley is he has been brilliant here. His enthusiasm for the game and the way he plays the game is great.

“The way he is around the place is great. I am pretty sure he loves his football here.

“He has been a credit to himself and Manchester United with the way he has conducted himself.”