Tim Sherwood has warned in-form striker Christian Benteke that he runs the risk of becoming a "bit-part player" at his next club if he leaves Aston Villa this summer.
Benteke, 24, has enjoyed a new lease of life since Sherwood took over from Paul Lambert in February, netting 11 times in his last 10 to reportedly court interest from Chelsea.
Belgium sit joint top of Group B in Euro 2016 qualifying, and the Villa boss warns him that leaving the West Midlands 12 months before a major competition could jeopardise his hopes of making the squad.
"It would be crucial for us for him to stay next season and beyond that," he told reporters. "I believe it is a very poor time to leave, just before a European Championship or World Cup.
"He could go to another club, be a bit-part player and then fall out of the squad for Belgium - who will be favourites to win it.
"By playing for Aston Villa it is not keeping him out of that squad is it? He is still the number one choice at number nine. [Belgium boss] Marc Wilmots is pleased he has got back in the team recently and is firing on all cylinders. They can only benefit from that."
Benteke has netted 14 times in all competitions this season, having only scored three prior to Sherwood's arrival.
Shane Callaghan
