Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has claimed that Christian Benteke can become a "world-class" player following his two goals against Norwich City.

The Belgian, 23, netted a brace on Sunday as the Villans earned a 4-1 win over Lambert's former club in the Premier League.

"I think if he does over the second half of this season what he did last season then we're talking about having an absolute world-class player on our hands," Lambert is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"This season was always going to be hard for him. He's only been in Britain for a year and a half, and I think people forget that, and they forget his age as well.

"He's got the ability to be a top, top player, but he's still a long, long way to go before he hits the heights of his career."

Villa continue their Premier League campaign on Saturday when they travel to title challengers Manchester City.