Lambert backing returning Benteke to lift Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert hopes the return of striker Christian Benteke from suspension can provide the extra spark his side desperately needs.

Benteke is available again for Villa’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace tonight after completing a three-match ban for his sending off against Tottenham a month ago.

Without a win in nine games stretching back to September, and just two points above the relegation zone, Villa are in need of a lift and Lambert is backing the quality of Benteke to provide it.

Lambert said of the 23-year-old: “In my own opinion, when he’s on his game I think he’s one of the best in Europe, let alone in Britain. I’ve seen some brilliant strikers in my time and, when that guy’s on his game, he’s certainly up there. So that’s a massive boost to us.

“He’s a top player and if he keeps progressing the way he’s going then we’ll see where his career goes.”

The return of Benteke would mean some reshuffling of the side after an encouraging display against Burnley.

The link-up play between the forwards, with Gabriel Agbonlahor operating as a lone striker ahead of Cole, Andreas Weimann and Tom Cleverley, was encouraging at Turf Moor. Villa had been on course for victory until conceding an 87th-minute penalty to Danny Ings.

Villa have rubbished claims Roy Keane had a bust-up with players before he quit the club last week. Keane left Villa on Friday saying he could not juggle his role as Paul Lambert’s number two and his job as Republic of Ireland assistant manager.

He had only joined in July, replacing Ian Culverhouse who was sacked at the end of last season. following an internal club investigation.

Keane said on Friday: “Ultimately, my roles with Villa and Ireland, and combining my commitment to these, has become too much. It isn’t fair to either Villa or Ireland, so I’ve made this decision.”

Ireland boss Martin O’Neill also said Keane needed a break after combining both roles since the summer.

“He didn’t have any holiday – he went straight from international duty with us in America to the job at Aston Villa and eventually those things catch up with you, one side of Christmas or the other,” he told FAI TV.

First team coach Scott Marshall is currently assisting Lambert.

Villa drew 1-1 at Burnley on Saturday in the wake of Keane’s departure and face Crystal Palace tonight just two points above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Palace boss Neil Warnock insists he does not have time to feel sorry for Villa and the position they find themselves in after the exit of Roy Keane.

“I like Roy Keane, I have got a lot of time for him personally. So whatever went on behind the scenes, Paul agreed to it and they move on.”