Resurgent Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke has warned Premier League defenders that he plans to prolong his red-hot form for as long as possible.

The 24-year-old looks to have been given a new lease of life since Tim Sherwood replaced Paul Lambert, netting eight in his last six after previously scoring just twice under the Scot all season.

"I still think I can do more, in everything. I can't say I'm happy to be there now, I want to do more and more and more," he told the club's official website. "I'm scoring at the moment and now I play the way I want to play. Now I have more chances and I'm fully fit, that's why I'm happy.

"First, I came back early from my injury, so I worked hard to be back on the pitch. I think I was a little bit tired in my body but now I am feeling very good. So that's why I am performing now.

"Before I didn't get enough service and I wasn't fit enough. I knew I would need time to be fit again. The confidence of the team was a little low so it was hard for everyone, so I can understand."

Benteke netted the winner in a 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in a result that saw Sherwood's side move six points clear of danger.