Paul Lambert backs world-class Christian Benteke for greatness

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has claimed that Christian Benteke has the potential to become one of the world's finest strikers.

The Belgian scored the only goal of the game in Tuesday's 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace for what was the Villans' first win since way back in September.

Benteke, 23, only returned in October following a six-month layoff with injury, and Lambert says that a fully-fit version of the hitman could develop into a modern great.

"I've been fortunate in my own career to play with some of the best players in the world striker-wise and, if he keeps progressing the way he is and learning the game, hopefully he'll hit [those] heights," he told reporters.

"He's certainly a terrific footballer. He's missed half the year, that's the magnitude of it."

Benteke arrived at Villa Park in 2012 and marked his first season in English football with 23 goals in all competitions.