Norwich City's Michael Turner 'pleased' to see Darren Bent on Aston Villa bench

Norwich City defender Michael Turner has claimed that it was "pleasing" to see striker Darren Bent demoted to the Aston Villa bench at the weekend.

The 28-year-old was once again dropped from Paul Lambert's side in favour of Christian Benteke for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Villa Park.

"It was pleasing for us to see Benty on the bench," The Mirror quotes Turner as saying. "He is a proven England international so Benteke is doing well to keep him out of the side. Benteke is a strong boy and very good in the air.

"We let him loose for the goal and he took it well, even though he didn't get the best connection on it. But you know what you are going to get from Benty. If you give him a chance, nine times out of 10 he will take it."

Bent has been with the Midlands side since last year but has slipped down the rankings under Lambert this season.