Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert hails the instant impact of Christian Benteke

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has hailed the impact of Christian Benteke, as the striker attempts to become the first player in nearly a decade to score 20 goals in a season for the club.

The last Villa player to reach the 20-goal mark was Juan Pablo Angel during the 2003-04 season and Benteke has nine games left and needs eight goals to reach the target.

If the Belgian achieves it, he will be the eighth player to do so for the club.

Lambert said: "If he gets 20 goals, then he's doing something good for us. The big guy, over the course of the whole season, has been excellent for someone just 22 years of age.

"I don't need to say much to Christian. He is a young guy still learning but his performances have been exceptional. He has been massive to us and also scores goals for a very talented Belgium side.

"For his age, he has played so many big games already, internationals, and it looks like Belgium will qualify for the World Cup."

Benteke's fellow striker Darren Bent, meanwhile, is stepping up his attempts to return to fitness after an ankle problem.

"Darren is doing all right but is not quite ready," added Lambert. "He is doing a bit of running which is better than he has been for the last few weeks. We will see how he is this week with his rehab."