Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole has described Christian Benteke's return from suspension as a 'big plus' ahead of their trip to Crystal Palace.

The striker has missed the team's last three games after getting sent off against Tottenham Hotspur last month, but he is available for their Premier League clash at Selhurst Park tonight.

With Villa currently languishing near the relegation zone, Cole is hoping that Benteke can get back among the goals and help them to climb up the table.

"The biggest plus is getting Christian back," he told BBC Sport. "He's a fantastic player. He's one of the best young strikers in the world. We've got to use him, get him in front of goal and get him scoring again."

Benteke has failed to score in his four previous appearances for Villa this season.