Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert feels that Christian Benteke's return to fitness will benefit midfielder Tom Cleverley.

The 23-year-old has been out of action since April when he tore his Achilles tendon, but is in line to make his first start of the season against Everton on Saturday.

Lambert believes that the Belgium international's presence will free up space for Cleverley to thrive, especially in the absence of the injured Fabian Delph.

The Scot told reporters: "I think getting to the box is his strength. Tom can hit the box and, with Benteke back, I'm looking for him to make wee runs off him.

"So, yes, we're looking for Tom to chip in with a few goals. He's getting better and better, game by game, for us. Fabian's injury is obviously a blow, but Tom has been playing well enough.

"It would be nice if he could go on a bit of a goal-scoring run for us now."

Villa are 10th in the Premier League ahead of their clash against Everton.